Richard Leon Nelson arrested for several charges including sending sexually explicit matter to a minor

On 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.