Randy Sheltra, Child Exploitation Offenses, Vermont 2020

Randy Sheltra, 58, of Alburgh, Vermont, was convicted of child exploitation offenses in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, following a six-day trial by jury.

According to court records and proceedings, Sheltra began communicating with whom he thought was the mother of a 10-year-old girl after she responded to an ad he posted on Craigslist on September 7, 2017. In reality, the woman was an undercover law enforcement officer.

During communications between Sheltra and the undercover officer, Sheltra attempted to persuade the woman to permit her 10-year-old daughter to engage in sexual activity with him and Sheltra.

Sheltra also attempted to persuade a real 15-year-old girl who lived in Vermont to engage in sexual activity with him in August 2017. In fact, Sheltra met this 15-year-old girl and engaged in sexual activity with her. Sheltra also asked the 15-year-old girl on two separate occasions to send sexually explicit photos of her genitalia to him.

Sheltra faces a sentence of not less than 10 years, and up to a lifetime term of incarceration, followed by not less than five (5) years, and up to a lifetime term, of supervised release, restitution, a possible fine, and a $300 mandatory special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in the investigation and prosecution of Sheltra.

Sheltra was represented by Mark Kaplan of Kaplan & Kaplan.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/alburgh-man-convicted-child-exploitation-offenses