Man accused of child sex crimes reaches plea deal

The man accused of sexually exploiting a young girl he knew and recording the incidents on video took a plea agreement in a Yuma courtroom Wednesday.

Christopher Daniel Rico III, who is in custody, pleaded guilty in front of Judge Brandon Kinsey to two separate charges. Those charges include luring a minor for sexual exploitation and attempted molestation of a child.

Rico faces nearly 40 years in prison if convicted of the crimes he’s accused of.

He faces anywhere from 10 to 24 years in prison for luring a minor for sexual exploitation with no option of an early release. He also faces a maximum of 15 years for the second count.

Rico will not have the option for probation for luring a minor for sexual exploitation.

As part of the plea agreement, Rico will have to register as a sex offender for life.

Court records shows Rico had pictures and videos of the victim, who was under the age of 15 at the time of the incident which occurred from 2013 to 2016.

Before Rico entered his plea, factual data was read in the courtroom about the crimes against Rico.

The data said Rico had video of him putting his penis in the victim, who was sleeping at the time. Further records indicates another instance where Rico tried to touch the victim between her buttocks while she was asleep.

Rico’s sentencing is set for December 12.