French Gulch Man Accused of Sexually Abusing Juvenile Victim for Years
FRENCH GULCH, CA — “On August 25, 2026, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office received information about a possible sexual assault involving a juvenile female. During the investigation the suspect was identified as Richard Alan Thompson, 64-years-old of French Gulch. The investigation revealed the sexual abuse had occurred over several years with the most recent occurring in July 2026.
Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) took over the investigation and interviewed Thompson on October 15, 2026. During the interview, detectives obtained corroborating evidence. Thompson was arrested and booked into the Shasta County Jail for the following charges:
- Six Counts of 288(a) PC – Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child under Fourteen
- 288.7(b) PC – Oral Copulation or Sexual Penetration with a Child 10 or Younger
Thompson’s bail is currently set at $1,000,000.
This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Shasta County Major Crimes Unit at 530-245-6135 or by email at MCU@shastacounty.gov”
