A 46-year-old Farmington Hills man is facing life in prison after police say he videotaped himself raping an 11-year-old girl who apparently had been drugged.
Richard R. Gerard was charged Wednesday with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and possession of child pornography. He was arrested Tuesday after his ex-wife found a tape marked “wedding” while she was cleaning her basement, Farmington Hills Police Chief William Dwyer said Wednesday.
Gerard was arraigned Wednesday in 45A District Court in Berkley.
On the tape, Gerard is seen raping a girl — who is unconscious — and who was the daughter of one of his ex-girlfriends, Dwyer said. The tape was made about eight years ago in Berkley. The girl is now 19, Dwyer said.
“This is extremely disturbing,” said Dwyer, who said there might be other victims.
The ex-wife, whose name was not released, brought the tape to police in Farmington Hills on Monday. Dwyer said police searched Gerard’s condominium on Tuesday, seizing tapes, DVDs and a laptop.
“It is our firm belief that he is a serial pedophile and a rapist,” Dwyer said. “This is probably just the tip of the iceberg.”
Police will continue to investigate Gerard, who is being held in the Oakland County Jail on a $2-million bond. He’ll be back in court on Friday for a hearing.
Chief Deputy Oakland County Prosecutor Deborah Carley could not be reached for comment on Wednesday. It is unknown whether Gerard has an attorney.
According to the Michigan Department of Corrections Web site, Gerard does not have any prior felony convictions.
When commiting a crime, rule number one: don’t leave any evidence.
Whatever, DIE PEDOPHILE, DIE!
