CULLMAN, Ala. – A local man on Thursday, April 3, 2025, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of possession of obscene matter and received a sentence of 40 years.
Ethan Edward Richardson, 27, of Cullman, was indicted on 53 counts – including multiple counts each of possession of obscene matter, production of obscene matter and aggravated criminal surveillance – back on May 4, 2023.
Richardson was first arrested in February 2023 after using a cellphone to record images of a child in a restroom at the south Cullman Walmart on Olive Street. An investigation by the Cullman Police Department revealed at least 18 additional victims.
The indictment listed 19 unnamed victims, all under the age of 17. All charges except for 10 counts of possession of obscene matter were dismissed.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker said, following the plea agreement, “I have zero sympathy and say good riddance to anyone who would harm a child. This settlement was made after consultation with the only known victim’s family and Cullman Police Department investigators. This should send a strong message that we do not tolerate such behavior in Cullman County.”
Crocker thanked the Cullman Police Department for its assistance in the case and Walmart for its cooperation throughout the entire process.
The Cullman Police Department commended Lead Investigator Sgt. Shannon Cheatwood for his hard work, along with the rest of the Investigation Division and Officer Rob Long, who was the initial responding officer to the incident at Walmart.
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