Girl, 14, found in motel with Texas man

The Detroit News May 5, 2007

NOVI -- A 27-year-old Midland, Texas, man was charged Friday in the sexual assault of a 14-year-old Commerce Township girl he met online. Arrested with the girl at a Waterford Township motel after a nationwide Amber Alert issued Tuesday, Richard Carrasco was charged with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of accosting and soliciting a minor, three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of possessing a controlled substance.

The third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge is a 15-year felony, if convicted, and typically is sought when the alleged victim is 13 to 15 years old, Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor Robert Giles said.

Carrasco was arraigned before District Judge Dennis Powers at 52nd-1st, and is jailed on a $1.6 million bond. If released, Carrasco is prohibited from contact with anyone under the age of 18. He must be on a GPS tether and is not allowed on computers or the internet.
He faces a May 9 preliminary hearing.

The 14-year-old victim ran away from home Tuesday to be with Carrasco, sparking an Amber Alert, Oakland County Sheriff's officials said.

The girl's family was afraid the she was headed with Carrasco to Texas or Florida, Sheriff's officials said.
Carrasco was arrested without incident at the Highlander Motel in Waterford Township with the girl. He was in possession of a semiautomatic pistol.

You can reach Delores Flynn at (248) 647-7225 or dflynn@detnews.com