Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced the conviction of Shaun Sheffer, a former member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Butler County, for sexually assaulting a young child. The jury found Sheffer guilty of three counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault. Sentencing is scheduled for February.
Sheffer, 45, was charged in 2023 following recommendations from a Statewide Investigating Grand Jury against several members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith. The charges were based on incidents that occurred between 1995 and 2000 when the victim was between seven and twelve years old.
Attorney General Henry stated, “This defendant sexually assaulted a victim who was wholly vulnerable due to their age and mental disability.” She commended those involved in the trial for ensuring justice was served.
The case stemmed from findings by the 49th Investigating Grand Jury and was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Alicia Werner. Testimony revealed that Sheffer had been a close acquaintance of the victim during the time of the assaults.