BUTLER COUNTY (KDKA) – A Butler County Jehovah’s Witnesses member has been convicted of sexually assaulting a young child in the 1990s.
According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry’s Office, 45-year-old Shaun Sheffer was charged in 2023 after a grand jury recommended charges against numerous members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Sheffer was found guilty of three counts of rape including a person with a mental disability as well as three counts of indecent assault.
“This defendant sexually assaulted a victim who was wholly vulnerable due to their age and mental disability,” Attorney General Henry said. “I commend the grand jurors, the trial jurors, and, of course, the brave victim for ensuring a predator did not escape justice.”
Testimony revealed that Sheffer was a close acquaintance of the victim and the assaults happened when they were between the ages of 7 and 12. The abuse occurred between 1995 and 2000 in Butler County.
Sheffer will be sentenced next month on February 19.
Former Butler County Jehovah’s Witness member, John Doe, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a child. The disturbing allegations came to light after the victim bravely came forward and reported the abuse to authorities.
During the trial, evidence was presented that detailed the horrific acts committed by John Doe against the young victim. The court heard how he used his position of trust within the Jehovah’s Witness community to manipulate and prey on the vulnerable child.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse, no matter who the perpetrator may be. It also highlights the need for organizations to have strict policies in place to protect children from predators within their ranks.
Our thoughts are with the victim and their family as they continue to navigate the aftermath of this traumatic experience. We hope that this verdict brings them some measure of justice and closure.
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