Couple Convicted in Gwinnett County for Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl

A Gwinnett County jury has found a couple guilty of abusing a 7-year-old girl at their Buford apartment.

Javen Tyree Richardson, 25, was convicted of four counts of aggravated child molestation and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences, with the first 80 years to be served in prison.

Akilah Amin, Richardson’s 30-year-old girlfriend, was convicted of one count of influencing a witness and one count of cruelty to children in the second degree. She received a sentence of 20 years, with the first seven years to be served in prison.

Both Richardson and Amin were ordered to register as sex offenders and are prohibited from having any contact with the victim child and her siblings.

Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson commented on the verdict, stating, “Justice for this young victim begins with the outcome of this trial. Her family and her loved ones must continue to help her recover and heal.”

The court heard that Richardson sexually abused the 7-year-old multiple times, and the victim disclosed the abuse at school. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Amin subsequently coached the child to change her story and lie to officials in an attempt to secure Richardson’s release from jail. The child bravely testified from the witness stand, leading to the guilty verdicts.

The case was prosecuted by Special Victims Unit Managing Assistant District Attorney Megan Matteucci and Assistant District Attorney Kathy Li, with assistance from SVU Investigator Jessica Pironis and Victim Witness Advocate Rocio Pineda.