Ricky Lee Eschman, 64, of Oceana County, was sentenced on April 13 to three and a half to fifteen years in prison for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old child in 2018, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The sentencing took place before Judge Susan Sniegowski in the 51st Circuit Court after Eschman pleaded guilty in March to three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and state officials to bring justice in long-standing cases involving vulnerable victims. The abuse occurred repeatedly during the summer of 2018 while the victim was staying at a relative’s home. Although the crimes were reported that year and charges were filed by the Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office in early 2019, authorities could not locate Eschman until his arrest as part of Operation Survivor Justice in August 2025.
Operation Survivor Justice is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service focused on locating and apprehending fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants. “Sexual assaults that remain open for years take a tremendous toll on victims looking to see their abusers face justice and the community, which remains at risk while predators are free,” Nessel said. “After years of waiting, I hope this sentence brings a measure of closure to the young survivor in this case. My office remains committed to working with our Operation Survivor Justice partners to ensure that fugitives cannot outrun accountability.”
Eschman will be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring and sex offender registration upon release from prison.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General advances social efforts through actions against human trafficking and support for vulnerable populations according to its official website. The department also focuses on serving residents through public service initiatives and protection according to its official website. Dana Nessel has served as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to its official website.
The department operates statewide with authority intended to safeguard all residents according to its official website, including influencing policy such as drafting the Clean Slate law in 2019 for expungement opportunities according to its official website.