Sand Springs man sentenced to 20 years

(Tulsa-AP) -- A Tulsa County judge has sentenced a Sand Springs man to 20 years in prison for molesting a girl who was the victim in a multicounty sex and pornography ring. <br><br>Forty-seven-year-old

Saturday, October 14th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- A Tulsa County judge has sentenced a Sand Springs man to 20 years in prison for molesting a girl who was the victim in a multicounty sex and pornography ring.

Forty-seven-year-old Ricky Thurston Welch was charged with committing a series of offenses in 1997 and 1998 involving the girl, who is now 17 years old.

Prosecutors say Welch met the girl's stepfather, Jarrod Julian, through a swingers magazine ad. Julian introduced Welch to the girl as Julian's 19-year-old wife.

In a plea agreement, seven felony counts were dropped against Welch.

Judge Tom Gillert scheduled a review of Welch's case for next August, when Welch's attorney can request his punishment be modified.

Another man has been sentenced to two life sentences in connection with the ring. And the girl's mother received a 45-year term on a child abuse charge.