Richard Lawrence, owner and captain of Toho Riverboat Adventures in St. Cloud, along with his fiancée Frances Fernandez, are scheduled to return to court today in Osceola County after being arrested last Saturday. The couple faces serious felony charges, including aggravated sexual battery, cruelty toward a child, and sexual activity involving a minor.
Following a report of abuse last week from a male employee at Toho Riverboat Adventures, St. Cloud investigators questioned Richard Lawrence and his fiancée, Frances Fernandez, outside the “Pearl of the Lake.” They were asked about allegations made by a teenage employee who claimed to have had sexual encounters with Lawrence over 20 times since October, when she began working for the Lake Toho tour boat. The arrest affidavit also states that Lawrence provided the teen with alcohol on at least three occasions. Police confirmed that Lawrence recently received legal custody of the teen.
St. Cloud Police investigators reported that Frances Fernandez, Lawrence’s fiancée and the manager of the tour boat, allegedly confessed to being aware of the sexual relationship and, at times, participating in it. Her statements directly contradict Lawrence’s claims, in which he denied the allegations and insisted that while all three had shared a bed on one occasion, no sexual activity took place.
Toho Riverboat Adventures boasts the “Pearl of the Lake,” a 75-foot commercial paddlewheel replica built in 1983, which has become a popular attraction for scenic cruises across Lake Tohopekaliga in St. Cloud.
Known as “Captain Stitch,” Lawrence has garnered significant support from the local community. However, the future of the riverboat’s operations now remains uncertain given the severity of the charges. The company’s website lists its next scheduled sail for Friday afternoon, though it is unclear whether the trip will proceed without its captain.
Lawrence, a St. Cloud native and former truck driver, spent two years earning his captain’s license and found the paddleboat in Minnesota. Transporting the boat to Osceola County was a feat, requiring 22 days on multiple rivers before it had to be deconstructed and carried on a truck.
Lawrence was represented by a public defender during his court appearance. The judge scheduled a Pretrial Detention Hearing for today, December 5th, at 1:30 PM. Until then, Lawrence’s case continues to develop as the community watches closely, given the serious nature of the charges against him and his girlfriend.
