(Lake County, FL) Earlier this week, jurors found 38-year-old Richard Michael Hutcheson, of Mount Dora, guilty of Capital Sexual Battery upon a child just an hour into deliberations after hearing both the defense and state during trial. After his conviction, Judge James R. Baxley sentenced Hutcheson to life in prison.

Hutcheson was convicted of Capital Sexual Battery upon a Child under 12 Years of Age, Giving Obscene Material to a Minor, two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation, Sexual Battery in Familial or Custodial Authority, Delivery of Cannabis to a Minor, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child, Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition, and Lewd or Lascivious Conduct.

Hutcheson and his co-defendant, Brittany Hastings Hutcheson, were both arrested in December of 2021 following a Mount Dora Police Department (MDPD) investigation regarding a past sexual battery. Just two weeks prior to their arrests, the complainant reported to officers that a young child had disclosed sexual abuse committed by Hutcheson and his co-defendant. When officials arrived to meet with the complainant and child, they learned that there was possibly a second child victim, even younger, who was currently scared to speak about the abuse.

The first victim, who was 14 years old at the time of disclosure, told law enforcement that Hutcheson had started sexually battering them approximately two years ago. The victim recounted numerous incidents involving Hutcheson alone, as well as various times involving the co-defendant. Interviews were then scheduled to have both victims come into the Lake-Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center.

While being interviewed, the first victim disclosed the same information to investigators and even stated a few incidents of abuse occurred with the second victim in the same room. When authorities met with the second victim, who was 11 years old, the victim revealed to detectives that Hutcheson had sexually battered them as well. The victim recounted instances of abuse going back to the age of 7. Furthermore, the victim stated that the co-defendant would sometimes also engage in sexual activities with the minor.

Based on the details that both victims provided to law enforcement, as well as corroborating evidence, both Hutcheson and the co-defendant were arrested. Co-defendant Brittany Hutcheson pled in her case last year and was found guilty.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Kati Cosden and co-counsel Eduardo Faria, thanks to the diligent efforts of MDPD Detectives Hutcheson (no relation) and Rice, as well as Deputy Faulkner.

Published on 03/28/2025.