LEXINGTON, Ky. — Ellen Phillips, 38, from Danville, Kentucky, formerly known as Ellen Shell, pleaded guilty to attempted online enticement of a minor for sexual conduct. The plea was entered before Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves.
Phillips, a former teacher’s aide at the time of the offenses, was involved in sexual relationships with multiple teenage boys in Boyle and Garrard County areas. Communication with the victims occurred through Snapchat, Facebook, and text messaging, often leading to meetings for sexual activity. Phillips admitted to engaging in sexual acts with several minors simultaneously.
In her plea agreement, Phillips confessed that on December 20, 2022, she attempted to entice a 15-year-old boy for sexual activity. She used Facebook to persuade the minor, offering alcohol and oral sex, and suggested excuses he could use to leave his home.
The guilty plea was jointly announced by Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); Willie Skeens, Garrard County Sheriff; and Chief Tony Gray, Danville Police Department.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between HSI, KSP, Garrard County Sheriff’s Office, and Danville Police Department. The United States was represented in court by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.
Phillips is scheduled for sentencing on April 26. She faces a minimum of 10 years to a maximum life sentence in prison, subject to the court’s consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal sentencing statutes.