KY Predator Bivens Indicted in Child Sex Trafficking

ELYRIA, OH – Shawn J. Bivens, 33, of Vanceburg, Kentucky, is facing a slew of federal charges after an indictment revealed a disturbing pattern of sexual exploitation involving a 13-year-old girl. The indictment, unsealed today, alleges Bivens transported the victim across state lines and engaged in a calculated scheme to produce and distribute illicit content.

According to the indictment, the alleged abuse took place during two separate periods: January 21, 2014, through February 28, 2014, and again from February 28, 2014, through March 2, 2014. Prosecutors claim Bivens used coercion and enticement to persuade the 13-year-old to participate in sexually explicit conduct, with the explicit intent of creating visual depictions for distribution via interstate commerce. The charges detail that Bivens knowingly leveraged interstate and foreign commerce to facilitate this exploitation.

The indictment doesn’t stop there. Bivens is also accused of knowingly traveling from Kentucky to Ohio between February 28, 2014, and March 2, 2014, specifically for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with the minor. Furthermore, he allegedly transported numerous computer files containing sexually explicit depictions of the victim using interstate commerce, further cementing the federal nature of the crimes.

The alleged exploitation didn’t end with the initial encounters. Between May 3, 2014, and May 8, 2014, Bivens is accused of transporting the 13-year-old girl from Ohio back to Kentucky, with the intention that she continue engaging in sexual activity – activity that would constitute a criminal offense for Bivens. This demonstrates a clear pattern of premeditation and a willingness to repeatedly exploit a vulnerable child, according to authorities.

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office, announced the indictment. Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan is prosecuting the case, with the investigation spearheaded by the Elyria Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lewis County, Kentucky, Sheriff’s Department. The investigation has been ongoing for some time.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is simply an accusation, not proof of guilt. Bivens is entitled to a fair trial where the government bears the burden of proving his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The potential sentence, if convicted, will be determined by the court after considering Federal Sentencing Guidelines and various factors related to the case, but will not exceed the statutory maximum. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.