Date: September 29, 2026
Prepared by: Jake Arthur, Public Information Officer
Email: PIO@flaglersheriff.com
Release #: 2026 – 208
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Florida Highway Patrol has re-arrested a former Miami Dade College professor on additional charges of lewd or lascivious battery on a minor after forensic testing confirmed his DNA was present in a sexual assault kit involving a missing 15-year-old child.
On July 22, deputies responded to a Palm Coast hotel after the child’s mother reported that her runaway daughter was there with an adult man. Deputies found the child leaving the hotel from the back stairwell and located 46-year-old Richard Tapia, of Palm Coast, as he was exiting the front lobby.
Richard Tapia (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility Mugshot)
During the investigation, detectives determined that Tapia had met the victim through an online app, picked up the victim in Jacksonville and drove her to Palm Coast. The victim disclosed to deputies that Tapia had raped her multiple times at the hotel. Deputies initially arrested Tapia for interference with child custody and initiated a sexual assault investigation.
Detectives conducted a forensic analysis of the evidence on Tapia’s cellphone and conducted forensic interviews. They also submitted a sexual assault kit to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, where forensic testing confirmed Tapia’s DNA was present.
On Sept. 22, a capias was issued for Tapia for three counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim between the age of 12 and 16 years old.
“This mother’s determination helped us find her daughter which started the investigation on this pervert,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our detectives followed the evidence and built a strong case against this predator who took advantage of a vulnerable child.”
FCSO’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit coordinated with the Florida Highway Patrol to arrest Tapia in Palm Beach County. Tapia was later transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held on a $350,000 bond.
We believe there may be other victims and are encouraging anyone with information on Tapia to contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911.
