DECK RECEIVES MAXIMUM 32 YEARS FOR CHILD SOLICITATION

He was arrested in 2020

Jefferson County, Indiana (May 25, 2022) – A Kokomo man found guilty last month in Jefferson Circuit Court on felony charges of child solicitation and attempted sexual misconduct with a child has been sentenced to the maximum 32 years in the Indiana Dept. of Corrections, said Prosecutor David R. Sutter.

 Rick A. Deck, 58, received his sentence May 23.

“I am pleased with this sentence,” said Prosecutor Sutter. “It will take a sexual predator off the streets for many, many years and it means Mr. Deck will not have the opportunity to harm children during his time in prison. I believe the sentence was appropriate for the crime.”

 Deck was arrested in the fall of 2020 as the result of an undercover sting operation.

 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.

 However, upon his arrival the person Deck believed to be the teen was actually an undercover police officer.

 Deck has a serious criminal history that spans two decades and includes numerous felony convictions for dealing methamphetamine, burglary, robbery, and possession of al altered handgun. He is classified a habitual offender.

 “I cannot stress to parents enough the importance of monitoring your child’s online and social media activity,” said Prosecutor Sutter. “Unfortunately, for every child predator we remove from the streets another one is waiting to take their place. Parents must be vigilant and educate themselves and their children about this danger.”