DECK CONVICTED ON CHILD SOLICITATION, RELATED CHARGES

He is facing up to 32 years in prison.

Jefferson County, Indiana (April 29, 2022) - A Kokomo man was convicted Thursday in Jefferson Circuit Court on child solicitation and other charges, said Prosecutor David R. Sutter.

 Rick A. Deck, 58, was convicted of:

-Child Solicitation, a Level 4 felony

-Attempted Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 4 felony

-Driving While Suspended, a Class A misdemeanor

After the jury’s verdict, Deck admitted to being a Habitual Offender.

 “I appreciate the Jury’s service, and am pleased with this outcome. Sexual predators are a tremendous threat to our children and I’m glad the jury followed the evidence and returned a guilty verdict,” said Prosecutor Sutter. “I want to thank all the law enforcement agencies and officers for their excellent work in this case, especially Officer Shawn Scudder, the lead detective on the case, as well as Detective Ricky Harris and Officer Nichole Midgett.”

 Deck’s arrest was the result of an undercover sting operation aimed at locating sexual predators.

 “Every single day, our children are at risk of being targeted by sexual predators online,” said Prosecutor Sutter. “Children are vulnerable to falling victim to these predators who are very cunning and manipulative. I urge parents to talk with their children about being safe online and never, ever agreeing to meet someone they don’t know.” 

 The incident began in late September 2020 when Deck began an online chat with a profile depicting a 14-year-old female. The profile’s age was discussed with Deck commenting “sure I like little girls.”

 The conversations continued for more than a week with Deck engaging the profile in very sexually graphic conversations, stating the things he would like to do to the child. Several times, Deck mentioned that he knew the profile was 14 years old.

 Deck told the profile he planned to travel from Kokomo to Madison to engage in sexual intercourse with the profile. On Oct. 9, 2020, Deck messaged the profile, saying he was traveling to Madison.

 Arrangements were made to meet at the Broadway Fountain.

 Upon arrival in Jefferson County, Deck messaged the profile stating he was trying to find the fountain. He was given directions via a phone call.

 Upon his arrival, Deck began a conversation with a female at the fountain. The female was an undercover officer. Deck was arrested without incident.

 Upon searching his vehicle, officers located a sex toy, similar to what Deck had described in a message. A check of Deck’s driving record revealed he was driving while suspended with a prior conviction.

 Deck’s criminal history spans two decades and includes numerous felony convictions including dealing methamphetamine, burglary, robbery and possession of an altered handgun.

 Deck’s criminal history spans two decades and includes numerous felony convictions including dealing methamphetamine, burglary, robbery and possession of an altered handgun.

He is facing up to 32 years in prison.

Prosecutor Sutter said Deck is scheduled to be sentenced May 23 at 1:30 p.m.