Shayne Clapper, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Pennsylvania 2023

Former Ellwood City Resident Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Minor Charges

A former resident of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, according to a federal court announcement.

Shayne Clapper, 30, pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in January 2023 through February 2023, Clapper initiated a sexual relationship with a minor known to him.

Clapper provided the minor with a cell phone that he used to communicate with the minor. Clapper requested and received nude images from the minor. Clapper also induced the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a sexually explicit video.

Law enforcement analyzed Clapper’s cellular telephone and discovered the child sexual abuse images.

Clapper faces a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, under the law. Sentencing is set for March 12, 2025, at 1:30 pm.

Pending sentencing, the defendant remains detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ellwood City Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Clapper.

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

Defendant: Shayne Clapper

Criminal Charges: Five counts of charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor

City and State: Ellwood City, Pennsylvania

Exact Date: January 2023 through February 2023 (crime date), March 12, 2025 (sentencing date)

Sentence or Outcome: Up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both

Dollar Amount: $250,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/former-ellwood-city-resident-pleads-guilty-charges-related-sexual-exploitation-minor