by Amanda Rink, Editor
May 23, 2025 – The upcoming trial for Colt A. Richardson, a former Eagle Grove police officer accused of crimes involving minors, has been postponed following a recent court order.Â
Richardson, who allegedly shared obscene material with a minor, was originally scheduled to go to trial on June 19. However, the court has approved a continuance, citing ongoing depositions and Richardson’s previous waiver of his right to a speedy trial.Â
A new pretrial conference has been scheduled for June 27 at 9:00 A.M. at the Wright County Courthouse. The jury trial is now set to begin on July 17, 2025, at 8:30 A.M., also in Clarion.
Richardson faces two charges:
- Allegedly possessing a depiction of a minor engaged in a sex act, a Class D felony
- Allegedly disseminating obscene material to minors, a serious misdemeanor
He has pleaded not guilty. The case is being overseen by Judge Hans Becker and is being prosecuted by Wright County Attorney Eric Simonson, assisted by Joe Corrow.
The Wright County Monitor will continue providing updates as the case moves forward.
Original Article
May 21, 2025 – A former Eagle Grove police officer is scheduled to appear in court this Friday on serious charges involving a minor. Colt Allen Richardson, of Webster City, is facing two criminal counts stemming from an alleged incident that occurred on December 6, 2024.
Richardson is charged with: Possessing illegal images of minors in sexual acts (a Class D felony), and sharing obscene material with minors (a serious misdemeanor).
These charges were filed earlier this year following an investigation by state authorities. He has pleaded not guilty and has waived his right to a speedy trial. His next court appearance is a pretrial conference for Friday, May 23, at 9:00 A.M. at the Wright County Courthouse.
The case is expected to move forward with a jury trial, currently set for June 19, unless the parties reach a plea agreement beforehand. These conferences are also used to finalize what evidence and witnesses might be presented at trial.
Earlier this year, Richardson was denied a request for a court-appointed lawyer, citing financial ineligibility. He is now being represented by private attorney Grant Gangestad. Since charges have come to light, Richardson was approved to travel out of state and given additional time to prepare his defense.
The case is being overseen by Judge Hans L. Becker and is being prosecuted by Wright County Attorney Eric Simonson, with assistance from Assistant County Attorney Joe Corrow.
