Preston man arrested for probation violation, released with internet restriction

(ABC 6 News) – A Preston man sentenced to probation for possession of child pornography was re-arrested for violating probation 9 days after his sentencing.

Rick James Gavin, 49, was sentenced Nov. 14 and arrested for violating the conditions of his probation, which include avoiding contact with minors and girls under age 18 unless approved by a probation agent, registering as a predatory offender, and avoiding the use of chat/dating websites and forums.

Gavin was re-released on probation Monday, Dec. 5, with an additional probation condition: “No Access To or Use of Internet Without Approval by Probation Agent.”

(ABC 6 News) – A Preston man was sentenced to 10 years’ probation and a $140 fine Monday, Nov. 14 after pleading guilty to one charge of possession of child pornography.

Rick James Gavin, 49, was arrested in September 2021 on two counts of using minors to create child pornography and 10 counts of possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, Gavin was the subject of a Minnesota BCA investigation into child porn after allegedly uploading child pornography to the internet.

A Fillmore county investigation found that Gavin allegedly solicited photos of young children making hand gestures and posing, over which he superimposed sexual images and videos.
A search of Gavin’s electronic devices also resulted in the 10 counts of child porn possession.

Gavin pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography in July of 2022, in exchange for a stay of imposition of 10 years and a small fine.

He must also register as a predatory offender and must complete 10 days of community service, according to court documents filed Monday.