Former Ellwood City Man Pleads Guilty To Sexually Exploiting & Abusing Minor

Saturday, November 9, 2024, 6:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

PITTSBURGH, PA.- On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Shayne Clapper, 30, formerly of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge William S. Stickman to five counts of sex crimes involving the sexual exploitation and abuse of a minor.

     According to U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan and charging documents filed with the district court, beginning in January 2023 and February 2023, Clapper began a sexual relationship with a minor who he knew. Clapper bought and provided a cellular phone for the child so the two could communicate.

     Shortly after purchasing the phone, Clapper requested and received nude digital images from the minor. Over the next few days, Clapper enticed the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a sexually explicit video.

     During a subsequent court-authorized search of Clapper’s cellular phone, investigators uncovered the child sexual abuse digital images.

Clapper Faces Up To Life In Prison When Sentenced

     After entering his plea on Thursday, Judge Stickman accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2025, at which time Clapper faces up to life in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The actual term of imprisonment will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge based on the seriousness of the offense and Clapper’s prior criminal history, if any. Clapper will remain detained pending sentencing.

     U.S. Attorney Olshan the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ellwood City Police Department for the investigation, arrest, and Clapper’s guilty plea.

     The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.