May 7, 2020
By News Director Jared Atha
An Elk City man, with prior convictions, was arrested and charged recently with, among other things, soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor by use of technology after he allegedly had contacted a 15-year-old juvenile female through social media in an inappropriate manner.
According to a probable cause affidavit, 37-year-old Billy Wayne Rich is accused of contacting the juvenile through a social media application and had been messaging her sexually inappropriate messages that included pictures, the suspect telling the juvenile that he was 26-years-old, and that he would “never tell anyone”. Officers discovered this information on the girl’s phone after her mother had notified Elk City police, after becoming suspicious of the possible relationship.
The affidavit stated that a search warrant was obtained and several officers served the warrant at the suspects home. There they found a woman who claimed Rich had been keeping her at the residence against her will and that he was abusing her. Eventually officers found and arrested Rich, who had already had an active warrant out for his arrest for aggravated assault and battery. It was also discovered that Rich was currently on probation.
After searching the home, police discovered a shotgun in the suspects bedroom, and various drugs including what was later field tested to be methamphetamine, along with other drug paraphernalia. The home was also surrounded with various surveillance cameras.
Along with the soliciting sexual conduct charge, Rich was also charged with kidnapping, possessing a firearm after a conviction or during probation and tampering with security cameras or system. His first court date is scheduled for May 18.