A 44-year-old Grand Rapids man arrested for assault earlier this month in a domestic disturbance at a Wayland home now is a suspect in other cases through the use of DNA evidence.
Richard Adams was arrested Thursday evening by Wyoming police and arraigned Friday. Authorities say they believe he kidnapped a 4-year-old girl and sexually assaulted her in 2002. He was arraigned on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 13, kidnapping, and second-degree CSC during a felony.
Wyoming police reported the 4-year-old girl was kidnapped from Amsterdam Gardens Apartment complex on Eastern Avenue and was found at a residence in Algoma Township. Authorities were able to gather some DNA evidence from the girl, but they were not able to find a match until this week.
Wyoming detectives said they were informed Adams’ DNA matched the evidence found on the girl 18 years ago. Detectives also indicated Adams worked at the Amsterdam Gardens complex at the time of the incident.
Adams’ only criminal history, according on on-line information, is a misdemeanor assault case in 2013. He pleaded no contest and was jailed for 10 days. However, if he is convicted of kidnapping and criminal sexual assault, he could face up to life in prison.
He is expected to be back in court in Kent County next month.
