LAKE HAVASU CITY – A Lake Havasu City firefighter has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest for allegedly providing drugs and money to an 18-year-old and her friend in exchange for sex.
Investigation began June 24 when the teenager leveled allegations involving Richard Kelm, 48. She told police that Kelm hired them to work as personal assistants for Kelm’s construction business.
The victims told police that they performed no work, but had sex with Kelm, with payment provided as salary and drugs. A police report indicated the trio first hung out in a penthouse in Las Vegas after attending a Post Malone and Jelly Roll concert on May 4.
Kelm was arrested June 26 after cocaine, methamphetamine and psilocybin was found in a safe in his home on Swordfish Drive, along with Xanax and clonazepam pills. The police report also indicated that incriminating text communications involving sex and drugs were found during the investigation.
“Richard admitted to having ‘party favors’ for the girls which include Xanax and psilocybin,” the police report said. He told police that the girls consumed drugs like “Hoover vacuums” and that any sexual activity was consensual.
“Richard believed the acts were a victim-less crime,” the report said.
Kelm is charged with fraud for the employment scheme and pandering for the sexual activity. He faces a number of drug charges as well.
Dave Hawkins
