Butler

Man Convicted of Sexual Assault of a Minor in Butler County

**HARRISBURG, PA** — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the conviction of a Butler County man for sexually assaulting a pre-teen child. The conviction follows charges against 45-year-old Shaun Sheffer, who was accused in 2023 after a Statewide Investigating Grand Jury made recommendations against multiple Jehovah’s Witnesses members.

Sheffer was convicted this week on three counts of rape, including the rape of a person with a mental disability, as well as three counts of indecent assault. His sentencing is scheduled for February.

Attorney General Henry highlighted the vulnerability of the victim based on their age and mental disability. Henry expressed gratitude to the grand jurors, the trial jurors, and the victim for their roles in the proceedings.

The charges were part of the 49th Investigating Grand Jury’s findings, with the abuse occurring between 1995 and 2000 in Butler County. Testimonies revealed that Sheffer was a close acquaintance of the victim, who was between seven and 12 years old during the assaults. The case was led by Senior Deputy Attorney General Alicia Werner.