The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the conviction of Kelly Richards on multiple federal charges including trafficking minors, sexually exploiting children, and possessing a firearm as a felon. The court issued its decision Jan. 9 in *United States v. Richards* (6th Cir. 2026), rejecting all arguments raised in Richards' appeal.
The three-judge panel, consisting of Circuit Judges McKEAGUE, GRIFFIN, and THAPAR, issued a unanimous opinion authored by Judge THAPAR. The decision was designated for publication under Sixth Circuit Internal Operating Procedure 32.1(b), indicating the court views the ruling as establishing precedent for future cases.
The case originated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio at Cincinnati, where District Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins presided over the criminal proceedings. Richards was convicted by a jury on all charges and subsequently appealed both his conviction and sentence to the Sixth Circuit.
According to court documents, the charges stem from incidents involving two 14-year-old girls, identified as A.C. and L.W., who lived at Hope Haven for Girls, a group home in Dayton, Ohio, in early 2023. The court noted that A.C. turned 15 during the relevant time period. Court records indicate that A.C. had previously encountered a man she knew as "Scorpio" in Cincinnati, whom she considered a friend, though the full details of their relationship and its connection to the charges were not disclosed in the available portions of the opinion.
Richards was represented on appeal by Gregory A. Napolitano of LAUFMAN & NAPOLITANO, LLC, based in Cincinnati. The government was represented by Alexis J. Zouhary from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Cincinnati.
The specific arguments raised by Richards in his appeal were not detailed in the available excerpts of the opinion. However, the court's conclusion that it found "no errors" suggests Richards challenged various aspects of his trial proceedings, conviction, or sentence. The Sixth Circuit's affirmance indicates the appellate court found no reversible error in the district court's handling of the case.
Child trafficking cases have become increasingly prominent in federal courts as prosecutors have intensified efforts to combat exploitation of minors. Federal charges in such cases often carry severe penalties, particularly when combined with firearms violations and when the victims are minors.
The trafficking of minors charge typically falls under federal statutes that criminalize the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, advertising, maintaining, patronizing, or soliciting of minors for commercial sexual activity. Sexual exploitation of children charges generally involve the production, distribution, receipt, or possession of child sexual abuse material.
The additional charge of possessing a firearm as a felon indicates Richards had a prior criminal record that prohibited him from legally possessing firearms under federal law. This charge often serves as an enhancement that can significantly increase potential sentences in federal cases.
The Sixth Circuit's jurisdiction covers federal appeals from district courts in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. Published decisions from the circuit court establish binding precedent for all federal district courts within those states and serve as persuasive authority for courts in other jurisdictions.
The designation of this case for publication suggests the Sixth Circuit identified legal issues of broader significance beyond the specific facts of Richards' case. Published opinions typically address novel legal questions, clarify existing law, or resolve conflicts between different interpretations of federal statutes or constitutional provisions.
Federal child trafficking prosecutions have increased substantially in recent years as law enforcement agencies have devoted more resources to combating online exploitation and trafficking networks. The Department of Justice has made prosecution of crimes against children a priority, establishing specialized units within U.S. Attorney's offices across the country.
The affirmance of Richards' conviction means his sentence will stand as imposed by the district court. Federal sentencing in child trafficking cases typically involves lengthy prison terms, particularly when multiple charges are involved and when the defendant has a criminal history that includes prior felony convictions.
Richards' case number on appeal was 24-3952, indicating it was among the appeals filed with the Sixth Circuit in 2024. The underlying district court case was numbered 1:23-cr-00058-1, showing the criminal charges were filed in 2023.
The decision represents another example of federal courts taking a firm stance on crimes involving the exploitation of minors. The Sixth Circuit's affirmance sends a clear message about the seriousness with which federal courts treat such offenses and the limited likelihood of successful appeals in cases where juries have convicted defendants on child trafficking charges.