Carson Valley man accused of grooming child for sex

Bail was set at $100,000 for a longtime Carson Valley resident accused of attempted lewdness with a child under 16 years of age, luring a child, using a child to produce pornography, and indecent or obscene exposure in the presence of a child.

Richard Fraser, 32, appeared in East Fork Justice Court on Wednesday morning after being arrested on Monday as a result of an investigation.

The parents of the girl who was allegedly propositioned by Fraser urged Justice of the Peace Paul Gilbert to keep him in custody.

“He knew the victim was 15 years old and emotionally vulnerable,” prosecutor Erik Levin argued. “He was engaged in clear grooming activity and attempted to lure her into sex.”

Defense attorney Mary Brown asked bail be set at $5,000, saying Fraser was not a danger as long as there was a no contact order and GPS. He lived in the community for 32 years and at his current address for four years.

Justice of the Peace Paul Gilbert found there was a high likelihood Fraser could be convicted and set a March 6 court date.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators found information that Fraser was propositioning to meet the minor through social media.

Investigators began an undercover sting conversing with Fraser. A date, time, location, and sexual acts were agreed upon between Richard and the undercover deputy through text messaging.

At the predetermined date, time, and location previously agreed upon for Fraser to meet the minor, but he was instead contacted by detectives and arrested.