LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Danville, Ky., woman, Ellen Phillips, formerly known as Ellen Shell, 38, was sentenced on Friday to 188 months in prison, for using the internet to attempt to entice a minor to engage in sexual conduct.
The investigation revealed that Phillips, who was employed as a teacher’s aide at the time of her offenses, conducted sexual relationships with numerous teenage boys in the Boyle and Garrard County areas.
Phillips communicated with the victims via Snapchat, Facebook, or text messaging, and in many instances, she would meet the victims for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.
According to Phillips‘ plea, she engaged in sexual activity with multiple minors at the same time.
In her plea agreement, Phillips specifically admitted that on December 20, 2022, she attempted to entice a 15-year-old minor to engage in sexual activity.
Under federal law, Phillips must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence.
Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
The investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Kentucky State Police (KSP), Garrard County Sheriff’s Office, and Danville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
This case serves as a reminder of the dangers of online child exploitation and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- Ky. Teacher’s Aide Gets 188 Months for Luring Minors · Kentucky
- Bowling Green Predator Gets 27 Years for Online Abuse · Kentucky
- Jonathen Ray Howerton Pleads Guilty to Luring Teen for Sex · Kentucky
- Substitute Teacher Guilty of Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography · Kentucky
- Louisville Man Sentenced for Online Child Exploitation · Kentucky
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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