Judge Sentenced Tampa Man to 27 Years

Richard Plummer received a federal prison sentence for child sex abuse material and escape charges.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Judge Steven D. Merryday sentenced Richard Plummer to 27 years in federal prison following his guilty plea to charges of distributing and possessing child sex abuse material. Plummer had previously fled the Tampa Residential Re-Entry Center after investigators discovered the illicit material on his cellphone.

Why it matters

The sentence addresses the severe distribution of child sex abuse material while accounting for the defendant's attempt to evade custody during the investigation.

Richard Plummer was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession, distribution, and escape charges. He was previously convicted in 2018 and served a 10-year term for coercion and enticement of a minor.

The players

Richard Plummer

He is a 45-year-old individual who was convicted of distributing child sex abuse material and escaping from a re-entry facility.

Steven D. Merryday

He is the federal judge who presided over the case and issued the 27-year sentence.

Tampa Residential Re-Entry Center

This is the facility where investigators discovered illicit material and from which the defendant subsequently fled.

The details

After authorities found a cellphone containing child sex abuse material in Plummer's possession at the Tampa Residential Re-Entry Center, he fled the facility on November 1, 2025. He later pleaded guilty to the resulting federal charges on May 11, 2026.

2018: Plummer received his initial 10-year prison sentence.
October 2025: Officers discovered a cellphone in the defendant's possession at the re-entry center.
November 1, 2025: Plummer fled the Tampa facility.
May 11, 2026: The defendant pleaded guilty to the federal charges.

Legal Context

The sentence for Richard Plummer follows established federal guidelines under the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008. These standards govern the prosecution of sex offenders and the mandatory sentencing thresholds for distributing child sex abuse material.

The case highlights the security protocols at local residential re-entry facilities and the consequences of violating federal oversight. Residents may see continued monitoring of such facilities as authorities work to ensure public safety in Tampa.

The takeaway

This case underscores the severe legal penalties associated with the possession and distribution of illegal child-related materials. It also highlights the heightened scrutiny and security measures applied to individuals transitioning through federal re-entry programs.