Sexual

Man Convicted of Sexual Assault of a Minor in Butler County

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.

Myersville Man Sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse

Myersville Man Sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse

**Frederick, MD** – A Myersville man has been sentenced to 11 years in the Division of Corrections following a conviction for sex abuse of a minor. On Monday, Judge Julie Minner of the Frederick County Circuit Court delivered a sentence of 25 years, suspending all but 11 years for Jan Anthony Sleets, aged 46. Sleets entered a guilty plea on June 24.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office initially began investigating the case in 2016, suspending it due to the victim’s young age. The investigation was reopened in 2021, revealing that the abuse occurred when the victim was three years old.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable victims, particularly children. Chief ASA Carpenter successfully addressed challenges in the case, demonstrating the office’s commitment to community safety.

Upon completion of his prison term, Sleets will face five years of supervised probation. Additionally, he will be registered as a lifetime sex offender. Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit, Lindsey Carpenter, represented the state in the proceedings.

New Jersey Youth Soccer Coach Admits to Sexual Offenses

Youth Soccer Coach Admits to Sexual Offenses

**Freehold, NJ** – A local youth soccer coach confessed to numerous sexual offenses against former student-athletes, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, who made the announcement on Monday.

Ryan Gunsauls, 33, from Union Beach, pleaded guilty last week before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua. His charges included first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), second-degree Attempted Endangering by creating CSAM, and second- and third-degree Endangering through Sexual Conduct.

The investigation began earlier this year, led by MCPO Detective Joseph Mason, involving the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and Union Beach Police Department. A juvenile reported Gunsauls solicited and shared explicit materials via a social media app. Eight more victims, aged 11 to 17, were identified, resulting in Gunsauls’ arrest in May and subsequent detention as the case proceeds, as ordered by a Superior Court Judge.

Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer is handling the case. Gunsauls’ lawyer is Michael J. Pappa, Esq., based in Hazlet. His

Suspect Arrested for Sexual Assault in Galloway Township

Bars from a prison jail cast a shadow on the floro.

Suspect Arrested for Sexual Assault in Galloway Township

**Galloway Township, NJ** – The Galloway Township Police Department reported the arrest of a suspect involved in a sexual assault case with a minor following an investigation prompted by a complaint.

Sunday, officers from the department initiated an investigation after receiving allegations against an adult male for engaging in sexual activity with a female under 16. Cell phone evidence obtained by the police corroborated the victim’s statements, leading to search warrants being issued for the suspect’s phone, vehicle, and place of business, Everest Gymnastics in Galloway Township.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of 51-year-old Matthew A. Shriver from Brigantine, NJ. He was charged with multiple offenses including Aggravated Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Shriver is currently held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility awaiting a court date.

The department has emphasized its commitment to addressing sexual assault cases, particularly those involving juveniles. They encourage individuals to report incidents to their office, available 24/7 at the provided contact number. All charges are currently accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Spring Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Minor

Spring Valley Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Minor

**Spring Valley, NY** – Luis Quinac-Morales, 41, from Spring Valley, New York, has pled guilty to Course of Sexual Conduct in the First Degree. This plea was entered on Wednesday before Judge Anne B. Bianchi in Rockland County Court.

Since 2016, Quinac-Morales engaged in repeated sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl in Spring Valley. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II confirmed the charges, highlighting the abuse involved sexual intercourse.

District Attorney Walsh expressed commitment to protecting children with resources and collaboration from law enforcement at various levels. The investigation involved the Spring Valley Police Department and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations and Special Victims units.

Quinac-Morales pled guilty before a jury trial could commence. He faces a nine-year state prison term with a 20-year post-release supervision and mandatory sex offender registration. Sentencing is set for January 14, 2025.

Union City Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of a Minor

Bars from a prison jail cast a shadow on the floro.

Union City Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of a Minor

**Union City, NJ** – Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced the arrest of Edgar Fernando-Gomez in relation to an investigation of sexual contact with a 6-year-old girl.

On Wednesday, authorities from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit detained Fernando-Gomez, a Union City resident, after the reported incident. The charges against him include Sexual Assault by Contact and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Fernando-Gomez, aged 48, was taken into custody at his home and is currently held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility. The alleged incidents occurred on May 19 in Jersey City, and the accused is reportedly known to the victim.

Prosecutor Suarez acknowledged the Special Victims Unit’s efforts in the investigation and arrest. The public is urged to report any sexual offenses to the office’s Special Victims Unit at 201-915-1234. The charges remain accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Brooklyn Baseball Coach Faces Sexual Abuse Charges

Brooklyn Baseball Coach Faces Sexual Abuse Charges

**Brooklyn, NY** – A Brooklyn baseball coach has been indicted for multiple sexual abuse charges involving seven teenage players, as announced by District Attorney Eric Gonzalez on Thursday. Nicolas Morton, 31, allegedly conducted the abusive acts during practices with a travel baseball team and as the head coach at The Packer Collegiate Institute. The victims were between the ages of 12 and 14. Morton is accused of making sexual comments, insisting players expose themselves, and touching their intimate parts on several occasions.

Morton was arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo and faces a 20-count indictment. The charges include second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, various degrees of sexual abuse, endangering the welfare of a child, forcible touching, and unlawful imprisonment. Morton was granted bail at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond, with a court date scheduled for December 13.

According to the investigation, the alleged incidents took place between early 2023 and the summer of 2024. The accusations include asking to see the boys’ pubic hair, touching their genitals over and under clothes, and using coercive tactics to obtain compliance. These acts reportedly occurred