Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Ohio pastor who called LGBTQ+ books a "health risk" sentenced for child sex crimes
Ohio pastor who called LGBTQ+ books a "health risk" sentenced for child sex crimes
https://www.advocate.com/news/crime/homphobic-pastor-sentenced-assaulting-child
Silas Shelton, a church pastor from Clinton County, Ohio, was sentenced to prison Monday for sex crimes against a child that occurred in 2019. He was arrested in October of last year and charged with multiple felonies.
Supporters of both the victim and Shelton filled the courtroom, anxiously anticipating the judge’s ruling, as reported by local tri-state CBS affiliate WKRC. However, statements by Shelton’s supporters and his attorney claiming he was a good family man and a pillar of the community didn’t carry much weight with Judge Andrew McCoy, who ultimately imposed the maximum sentence.
Prosecuting attorney Brian Shidaker explained to the court that Shelton, 48, took advantage of the victim due to her impressionable age, his close relationship with her family, and his leading role in the church. He’d even arranged a job for the victim, apparently in an attempt to be alone with her.
Supporters of both the victim and Shelton filled the courtroom, anxiously anticipating the judge’s ruling, as reported by local tri-state CBS affiliate WKRC. However, statements by Shelton’s supporters and his attorney claiming he was a good family man and a pillar of the community didn’t carry much weight with Judge Andrew McCoy, who ultimately imposed the maximum sentence.
Prosecuting attorney Brian Shidaker explained to the court that Shelton, 48, took advantage of the victim due to her impressionable age, his close relationship with her family, and his leading role in the church. He’d even arranged a job for the victim, apparently in an attempt to be alone with her.
more disgusting details at the link...
Shelton was sentenced to 15 years in prison and must be registered as a Tier II sex offender for the next 25 years. Well... assuming he survives prison.
7 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Why are right wingers and the religious right so dead set against gays, trans, and others? --- Misdirection.
Really impressive “family values.”
I’m no prude. I oppose the Radical Right’s efforts to criminalize all sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage, but I strongly oppose adult sexual contact with minors, and that’s what that bird was up to.
And don’t get me started on the power dynamics and trust issues!
Lock him up!