On Monday, June 08, 2015, Pinal County Superior Court Judge Kevin White sentenced 44-year-old Richard Summers to 56 years behind bars for sexually abusing his daughter back in 2008.
A Pinal County jury found the San Tan Valley man guilty on nine counts related to the year-long abuse involving his 15-year-old biological daughter.
The jury found Summers guilty on 1 Count of Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, a Class 3 Felony, 1 Count Sexual Abuse, a Class 5 Felony, and 7 Counts of Sex Conduct with a Minor, all Class 2 Felonies.
Judge White also gave Summers two lifetime probation sentences to tail his 56 year prison sentence. Plus, the judge ordered Summers to register as a sex offender.
Summers abused his daughter for one year before she finally confronted him about it via text message. She eventually turned to her mother for help who contacted police.
“My office starts by believing victims of sexual abuse and I remain committed to recognizing and restoring these victims who so often remain too ashamed to come forward. The courage this young 15 year old demonstrated by stepping forward and pleading for help, should never go unrecognized. I do not take sexual abuse cases lightly, irrelevant of the age of the victim. My office remains committed to ensuring that our Pinal families remain safe, even from those criminals who may live within our families,” said Pinal County Attorney Lando Voyles.