September 17, 2007
Press Release

Another Bedford County Resident Arrested for Soliciting Minor and Undercover ICAC Task Force Officer for Sex

BEDFORD – On September 10, 2007, the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office concluded an online internet investigation with the arrest of Richard Edward Doughty, age 46 of 304 Rolling Meadow Drive, Thaxton VA 24174.

The investigation included the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office (affiliate member of the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Task Force, SOVA-ICAC) and the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, lead agency of the SOVA-ICAC.

During the investigation Mr. Doughty made contact online with a Gloucester County minor as well as an undercover officer with the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office.

Additionally, it was determined during the investigation that Mr. Doughty was a registered sex offender in Bedford County (CARNAL KNOWLEDGE OF CHILD 13 TO 15 YEARS OLD - ROANOKE CIRCUIT COURT) who has custody of his three children.

Richard Edward Doughty was arrested at his residence during the execution of a search warrant. As a result of the investigation Mr. Doughty was charged in Gloucester County with two counts of: (18.2-374.3) Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children. Additional charges may be pending in Bedford County.

Richard Edward Doughty is currently incarcerated and being held on a $25,000.00 bond in the Gloucester County Jail. The investigation continues in Bedford and Gloucester Counties.

The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that if any person has knowledge of relevant incidents that may assist in the investigation of Mr. Richard Edward Doughty please contact the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (Operation Blue Ridge Thunder) at 434-534-9521, extension 222.


Michael J. Brown
Sheriff
Bedford County