A Sawyer man who pleaded guilty in May to the continuous sexual abuse of a child was sentenced in North Central District Court on Wednesday, Oct. 29, to serve 30 years with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Lucas Tanner Richardson, 38, appeared before District Judge Gary Lee for his sentencing Wednesday, having entered a change of plea to guilty to the Class AA felony count in May.

According to court documents, Richardson was charged in December 2024 after an investigation into a report brought by the mother of the victim to the Ward County Sheriff’s Office. The victim described multiple incidences of Richardson’s abuse during a forensic interview at the Northern Plains Child Advocacy Center. The victim’s mother also provided a video of a phone call with Richardson.

Lee sentenced Richardson to 50 years with the DOCR, to first serve 30 years with credit for 314 days already served. The remaining 20 years will be suspended pending his adherence to the conditions of lifetime supervised probation upon his release. Richardson was also required to register as a sex offender, have no contact with the victim or the victim’s family, and maintain a 100 foot distance provision. He was also assessed $125 in court fines and fees.