- October 14, 2026
A former Miami Dade College professor has been arrested on additional child sex charges after forensic testing linked him to a sexual assault investigation involving a missing 15-year-old girl, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol, arrested 46-year-old Richard Tapia, of Palm Coast, on three counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.
The investigation began July 22 when deputies responded to a Palm Coast hotel after the girl’s mother reported that her runaway daughter was there with an adult man. Deputies found the girl leaving the hotel through a back stairwell and located Tapia as he was exiting the front lobby.
FCSO said detectives determined Tapia had met the girl through an online app, picked her up in Jacksonville and drove her to Palm Coast. The girl told deputies that Tapia sexually assaulted her multiple times at the hotel.
Deputies initially arrested Tapia on a charge of interference with child custody and opened a sexual assault investigation.
As part of the investigation, detectives conducted a forensic analysis of evidence from Tapia’s cellphone and conducted forensic interviews. A sexual assault kit was also submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for testing.
The Sheriff’s Office said forensic testing confirmed Tapia’s DNA was present in the sexual assault kit.
A capias was issued Sept. 22 charging Tapia with three counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.
FCSO’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit then worked with the Florida Highway Patrol to arrest Tapia in Palm Beach County. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held on $350,000 bond.
Investigators believe there may be other victims and are asking anyone with information about Tapia to contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-393-4911.
