David Lynn Richards Jr., a former Tennessee pastor, was convicted of raping his adopted daughter at 16 after years of abuse during her teens. He received a reduced sentence, with the court citing his role as a “man of God” and support from over 30 church members who said, “Our church needs him”

David Lynn Richards Jr., a former pastor in Knox County, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted of repeatedly raping his adopted teenage daughter, Amber Richards.

The harrowing case revealed that Amber had endured nearly two years of abuse, which she reported after discovering Richards standing beside her bed, pulling her hand into his pants.

The victim also directed authorities to locations in her bedroom where forensic investigators later found DNA evidence linking Richards to the crime.

A Disturbing Case of Betrayal and Abuse

Amber Richards, described years of manipulation and sexual abuse that began when she was 14.

Testifying during the trial, she recounted waking up to find Richards beside her bed and enduring repeated assaults while pretending to be asleep.

The abuse, she said, escalated after he sent her a message about taking their relationship “to the next level.”

Amber’s courage in detailing her experiences provided a critical foundation for the prosecution’s case.

She told authorities about locations in her room—her bed comforter, frame, and a purple rug—where seminal fluid was later discovered.

Forensic testing confirmed that the DNA in one sample matched Richards, despite his claims of sterility due to a prior vasectomy.

Richards, who was also a staffer at the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home and minister at My Father’s House Church of God, painted himself as a strict but caring father.

He claimed the accusations stemmed from Amber’s rebellious behavior.

However, the jury of seven women and five men believed Amber’s testimony, finding Richards guilty of nine felony counts, including rape, incest, and sexual battery by an authority figure.

Courtroom Drama

The sentencing hearing laid bare the conflicting perceptions of Richards.

Over 30 supporters, including church members and colleagues, filled the courtroom, testifying to his character and pleading for leniency.

David Thompson, who shared ministry duties with Richards, described him as “a man of faith” and questioned the verdict.

On the other side of the courtroom, Amber Richards sat with her biological parents and other supporters.

She delivered a searing victim impact statement, saying, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about what he did to me. I firmly believe, given the opportunity, he would victimize another young girl.”

Judge Steve Sword acknowledged Richards’ community support but emphasized the severity of the crime, citing the prolonged nature of the abuse and the betrayal of trust.

“This case represents an extraordinary breach of responsibility,” Sword said as he handed down the 12-year sentence.

Prosecutors had sought a maximum term of 72 years, highlighting Richards’ exploitation of his role as a guardian.

Sword’s sentencing decision reflected the complexities of Tennessee law, where most charges Richards faced are eligible for probation.

Forensic Evidence and Legal Maneuvering

The forensic evidence played a pivotal role in securing the conviction.

Investigators found seminal fluid on Amber’s bed frame and mattress, despite Richards’ attempts to clean the scene.

The bedding in her room had been stripped and washed, raising suspicions among authorities.

When questioned, Richards had no plausible explanation for why his DNA was found in Amber’s bedroom.

His attorney, Gregg Harrison, argued that the evidence was inconclusive, citing Richards’ 2001 vasectomy.

However, forensic experts confirmed that spermatozoa were present, and the major DNA profile matched Richards.

Further suspicions arose when both Richards’ and Amber’s iPhones were found factory reset, complicating the investigation.

Authorities noted Richards had administrative control over the shared iCloud account, but the source of the resets remains unclear.

Future Challenges and Amber’s Resolve

Richards’ conviction and sentencing are not the end of his legal troubles.

Amber Richards has filed a $17 million civil lawsuit against him, Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, and other staff members, alleging negligence in protecting her and her siblings.

Richards’ new attorney, Stephen Ross Johnson, signaled his intent to appeal, citing ineffective representation and the discovery of new evidence.

However, Judge Sword reaffirmed his belief in Amber’s testimony, calling it “extremely compelling” in a detailed 30-page ruling.

Amber remains resolute in her pursuit of justice, vowing to use her experience to help other survivors of sexual abuse.

“I’m not going to let him ruin my life,” she said after the sentencing.

“He messed with the wrong girl.”

As Richards begins his prison term, the case underscores the devastating impact of abuse within trusted relationships and the importance of survivors speaking out against their abusers.

Amber’s courage serves as a reminder that justice, though arduous, is achievable.