Ricky Lee Eschman, a 64-year-old resident 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 the summer of 2018, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The sentencing took place before Judge Susan Sniegowski in the 51st Circuit Court in Oceana County.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors to hold offenders accountable, even when cases remain unresolved for several years. The abuse occurred repeatedly during the child’s summer visit at a relative’s home. Although the crimes were reported in 2018 and charges were filed by the Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office in early 2019, Eschman could not be located 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 that aims to find and return 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,” said Attorney General Nessel. “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.”
Following his release from prison, Eschman will be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring as well as lifetime sex offender registration.
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 measures according to its official website.
Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to its official website. The department exercises authority throughout Michigan with statewide initiatives aimed at safeguarding residents according to its official website. In addition, it influenced policy by drafting legislation such as the Clean Slate law in 2019 which expanded expungement opportunities according to its official website.