On April 21, 2026, at 7:26 A.M., Officer Vang with the St. Paul Park Police Department met with J. J. And her daughter, hereinafter Victim, [DOB REDACTED], regarding a sexual assault report. J. J. Explained that at the beginning of the current school year, in August 2025, Victim disclosed to her that she had been sexually assaulted by J. J.'s boyfriend at the time, ERIC JOEL RICHESON, [DOB REDACTED]. J. J. Stated she was in a relationship with RICHESON from May 2018 to August 2025 when Victim [NAME REDACTED]. During this time period, J. J., Victim, Victim's siblings, and RICHESON all lived together at an apartment located in the city of St. Paul Park, Washington County.
The matter was assigned to Detective Fridstrom for further investigation. On April 22, 2026, Victim participated in a forensic interview regarding the sexual assault. Victim [NAME REDACTED] incident happened in 2018, when she was approximately six or seven years old. Victim stated that she and her younger sibling, Witness 1, were all sitting on the couch at their apartment in St. Paul Park. RICHESON told Victim and Witness 1 that he had a pet turtle, which was located under a blanket that RICHESON had placed on his lap.
RICHESON told Victim and Witness 1 to reach under the blanket and "pet the turtle," to which they complied. Victim explained that the "turtle" was actually RICHESON'S penis. Victim [NAME REDACTED] in which RICHESON engaged in sexual contact and penetration with her at the St. Paul Park apartment from approximately 2018 to 2021. The incidents occurred when her mother, J. J., left the home to run errands. During these incidents, RICHESON told Victim [NAME REDACTED] would buy her a cell phone if she let him do things to her.
RICHESON also let Victim [NAME REDACTED] on his cell phone while performing oral sex on her. Victim described RICHESON penetrating her mouth, vagina, and anus with his penis during these incidents. When Victim [NAME REDACTED], he would state, "you want that phone, right?" Victim stated the sexual assaults ultimately stopped when one of her brothers passed away in 2021. Victim described a few specific incidents with additional details. Victim recalled a time when J. J. Was not at home and she was bored.
Victim [NAME REDACTED] could play games on his phone. RICHESON stated he would talk to J. J. About purchasing a phone for Victim [NAME REDACTED] did something for him. RICHESON then unbuttoned Victim's pants and his own and stated, "here have the phone and just leave me to do what I do and I'll talk to your Mom." Victim played a game on RICHESON'S phone while he penetrated her vagina with his penis. Victim [NAME REDACTED] was uncomfortable and the penetration hurt. Victim described RICHESON anally penetrating her on another occasion.
