Fortuna PD Arrests Man for Trying to Arrange Sexual Activity With 14-Year-Old Girl

This is a press release from the Fortuna Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

Richard Leon NelsonOn December 21, 2017, the Fortuna Police Department received a report from a citizen advising that an adult male was communicating with a 14 year old female via social media and text messaging.  The adult male, later identified as Richard Leon Nelson (age 29) of Fortuna, was trying to arrange a meeting with the juvenile for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.  Officer’s from the Fortuna Police Department began monitoring the conversations between Nelson and the minor.  During those communications Nelson suggested that girl meet him in the vicinity of the 2300 block of School Street in Fortuna.  A meeting was arranged and officer’s waited Nelson to arrive.

At about 10:50 PM, Nelson arrived at the pre-designated meeting location and was immediately stopped by Officer’s from the Fortuna Police Department.  Nelson was taken into custody and transported to the Humboldt County Jail.

Nelson was booked on charges of Sending sexually explicit matter to a minor, Arranging a meeting with a minor or the purpose of engaging in lewd or lascivious behavior, Annoying or annoys or molests any child under 18 years of age and Violation of Probation.  Nelson’s bail was set at $60,000.

Fortunately, in this case, an adult discovered the electronic communication that was taking place between the minor and this adult male stranger and was able to intervene.  The Fortuna Police Department encourages parents to monitor their children’s use of electronic devices and discuss the dangers related to electronic communications with strangers.

If anyone has information relating to similar type of activities contact the Fortuna Police Department at 707-725-7550 or 1-800-78-CRIME.

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27 Comments
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Mytruckisahillbeater
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Mytruckisahillbeater
6 years ago

Whatta sicko

HOGRANCH
Guest
HOGRANCH
6 years ago

IM SURE ITS ALL A MISTAKE.

superd
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superd
6 years ago

14!! and hes 29. predator

Sam
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Sam
6 years ago
Reply to  superd

Is you role model from Alabama, named Moore?

Veterans Friend
Guest
Veterans Friend
6 years ago

$60k bail. Shame on that!!!

hmm
Guest
hmm
6 years ago

Should be no bail.

hmm
Guest
hmm
6 years ago

How should parents monitor their children’s electronic communications?

Ms
Guest
Ms
6 years ago
Reply to  hmm

Seriously? By educating your children not to accept social media friend requests ir follow requests from strangers, by teaching your children to come report to you any inappropriate conversation and lastly by having the passwords to your childs phone and all social media accounts and CHECK THEM REGULARLY!!!!

Paperwork and Laptops
Guest
Paperwork and Laptops
6 years ago

Just kill him. Really, when are we just going to have enough of these sick predators?

Paperwork and Laptops
Guest
Paperwork and Laptops
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Of course, Kym! Sorry- I commented before fully thinking. I guess I am guilty of severe frustration. Frustration over- in particular- our county’s justice system and the revolving door in regards to criminal behavior that seriously impacts our local community. We want to be compassionate about victimless crimes (drug use, mental problems, etc)- that’s a good thing! But somehow we are losing the concept that healthy social behavior needs strong and clear boundaries with serious consequences for those who would hurt or steal from others. Have a nice day!

Roy
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Roy
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Exactly what evidence sounds damning? Do you know what was in the “communications”? Do you know anything about the context? Do you know anything except the innuendo surrounding the arrest?

Disguested
Guest
Disguested
6 years ago
Reply to  Roy

Well I read a few of the conversations young girls posted on Facebook about him trying. Absolutely disgusting. So yes pretty damning.

Ms
Guest
Ms
6 years ago
Reply to  Roy

I saw the messages and photos he was sending the minors. Absolutely horrific and disgusting!!!

Ms
Guest
Ms
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

I saw the messages first hand. He is guilty Kym.

Never
Guest
Never
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

You trust the law too much and must have never ad to deal with the criminal justice system.

Your Mom
Guest
Your Mom
6 years ago

Seems very kind-hearted and law-abiding of the parents to have called law enforcement. Not everybody would allow his life to be spared in such a way around here. Hmm.

Paperwork and Laptops
Guest
Paperwork and Laptops
6 years ago
Reply to  Your Mom

Let us hope the court backs up their theory that calling the authorities is a good solution.

Aguynotnamedrichard
Guest
Aguynotnamedrichard
6 years ago

I’m not saying ALL dudes named Richard are losers, but how come every dude named Richard is a loser?

Ms
Guest
Ms
6 years ago

Our county, state and country need a better healthcare system for mental health patients and veterans. This suspect appears to have served in the United States Army. My question is…did he have mental health issues before the Army or afterwards and didnt get help and possibly turned to drugs and became the sicko wack job preying on young girls??? Its a sad situation all together.

Shawn Cherry
Guest
Shawn Cherry
6 years ago

Quit editing my posts when I comment on sexual predators. They don’t deserve any protection from my comments. [edit] I’m furious about the amount of criminal bullshit that is allowed by our county. But my comments shouldn’t be printed. BULLSHIT!!! I post by my name for a reason. Everybody know me!!

Tara Sutherland
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Tara Sutherland
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you Kym for being such an amazing reporter and journalist and having boundaries so it doesn’t turn into lost coast outpost! I haven’t been on there in probably a year now.

Nobrainnoheadache
Guest
Nobrainnoheadache
6 years ago

If it gets to the point we’re you are arrested for something especially pedofile activity, let’s just call the kettle black. Can’t think of to many cases were they are found innocent. If any at all