COLDWATER -- A Coldwater man is facing serious felony charges after police say an investigation uncovered multiple incidents of criminal sexual conduct involving children. Branch County District Court records show 64-year-old Richard Gump was arraigned Tuesday on one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and two counts of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. Court documents indicate all the victims were under the age of 13. Coldwater Police say the alleged crimes happened between October 2023 and January 2024. Following their investigation, Gump was taken into custody and is now being held in the Branch County Jail on a $750,000 bond. If released, he must avoid any contact with the victims and is barred from being around anyone under 18.
A probable cause hearing is scheduled for December 11, followed by a preliminary exam on December 17. The case remains under active investigation.