News Flash

Williamsburg News – Public Safety

Posted on: May 19, 2023

Update: New Kent Man Indicted for Abduction

Update (May 19, 2023)

The Williamsburg Police Criminal Investigations Bureau presented a case against Richard Lee Gibson, 59 of New Kent, to a recent Grand Jury. An indictment was brought against Gibson for abduction with intent to defile, object sexual penetration, and sexual battery.

Investigators have been diligently piecing together evidence from an abduction incident that occurred on Sep. 30, 2022, at approximately 11:55 p.m., near the intersection of Prince George St. and Armistead Ave. The initial investigation revealed that an unknown suspect grabbed a woman from behind and groped her genitalia. The woman managed to scream, and the suspect released her and ran off. No injuries to the victim were reported.

Investigators quickly identified Gibson as a possible suspect. While collecting additional evidence that linked Gibson to the abduction, investigators discovered video evidence from a separate incident that showed Gibson placing his cellphone between the legs of an unsuspecting woman and unlawfully creating an image of her.                                                                                          

Investigators acted quickly and obtained two misdemeanor charges against Gibson for unlawfully creating an image of another and possession of obscene items. Those charges were filed on Oct. 14, 2022.   Gibson was apprehended in Florida on March 19, 2023. Gibson was transferred to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail on March 26, 2023.

The Criminal Investigations Bureau continued to develop leads and tracked down evidence regarding the original abduction incident. On May 10, 2023, investigators presented a Grand Jury with their findings and Gibson was indicted on abduction with intent to defile, object sexual penetration, and sexual battery.

If you have information about this case, please contact Investigator Corbin Brown at 757-220-6237.  Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Peninsula Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or click HERE to submit a tip online.

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Update (March 27, 2023)

Richard Gibson Mug Shot (Virginia)Richard Lee Gibson, 59 of New Kent, was apprehended in Florida. Gibson was wanted out of Williamsburg for unlawfully creating an image of another and possession of obscene items.

On March 19, 2023, at approximately 11:42 p.m., Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) in Florida apprehended Gibson after a citizen provided a tip that a suspicious person was sailing a boat in the Caloosahatchee River. The citizen read a news article online and recognized the suspicious person as Gibson.

LCSO deputies arrested Gibson without incident, and he was transported to the Lee County Jail. Investigators from the Williamsburg Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) extradited Gibson back to Virginia on Mar. 26, 2023. Gibson is currently being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail without bond.

CIB investigators discovered that Gibson intentionally fled Virginia in a sailboat by way of the Intracoastal Waterway. The CIB is investigating additional felony offenses alleged to have been committed by Gibson.

The Williamsburg Police Department would like to thank the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

If you have information about this case, please contact the Investigator Corbin Brown at 757-220-6237. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Peninsula Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or click HERE to submit a tip online.

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Original Article (Oct. 17, 2023)

gibsonThe Criminal Investigations Bureau charged Richard Lee Gibson, 59 of New Kent, with unlawfully creating an image of another and possession of obscene items.

On Oct. 12, 2022, investigators discovered that Richard Gibson attempted to place his cellphone between the legs of an unsuspecting woman. Gibson’s cellphone recorded the incident that occurred on Sep. 30, 2022, in the 5000 block of Richmond Road.

On Oct. 14, 2022, investigators obtained two misdemeanor warrants for Gibson’s arrest: unlawfully creating an image of another and possession of obscene items. Gibson has not been served the arrest warrants. He is described as a white male, 6’0” tall, 200 pounds, with blue eyes, and black hair.  

Investigators are asking anyone with information about Richard Gibson’s whereabouts or information about this case to please contact the Williamsburg Police Department at 757-220-2331. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Peninsula Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or click HERE to submit a tip online. You may be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

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