A federal jury found former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Rick Crawford guilty of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.
Crawford, 60, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentence hearing is scheduled for Nov. 26.
Crawford was arrested March 5 after he was a caught in a FBI undercover child sex sting in Florida. He was indicted March 30.
Court documents state that Crawford answered a Craigslist ad Feb. 10, posted by an undercover officer, offering “taboo” relations.
Crawford had numerous email and text exchanges with the undercover agent, who posed as a father offering his 12-year-old daughter for sexual services.
In an early email exchange, the undercover officer wrote: “FYI 50yo taboo dad(,) w 12yo daughter (,) she’s into guys….i’m not(,) she’s also accepts donations(,) if this isn’t you then to no need to reply.”
Court documents state that Crawford responded: “Lets do it. Let me know where.”
According to court documents, Crawford agreed to pay between $50 – $75 to engage the girl in oral sex and intercourse. Crawford also indicated he wanted the child to be nude or wearing something with “easy access” at the time of their meeting.
The agent met Crawford in a restaurant parking in Lake Mary, Florida, on Feb. 28. After acknowledging to the undercover officer he was there for the arranged meeting with the young girl, Crawford was arrested as he exited his vehicle. He was found to be carrying $80 and a condom in his pants pocket.
During a search of Crawford’s vehicle, agents found two over-the-counter pills labeled “Diamond Male Sexual Performance Enhancement,” several digital video discs containing adult pornography, a device capable of playing DVDs, massage oils, personal lubricating gels, an open box of disposable gloves, a solid phallically shaped adult sex toy and condoms.
The case was brought as part of the Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Crawford spent 17 years in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He made 336 starts and earned five wins, 75 top five and 160 top 10 finishes. He last appeared in a race in fall 2012 at Talladega Superspeedway. He finished as high as second in the points in 2002.
Click here for press release from U.S. Attorney’s Office on Rick Crawford’s conviction
