Anti-LGBTQ+ Pastor Pleads Guilty in Shocking Minor Abuse Case

An Ohio pastor, known for his anti-LGBTQ+ stance, is facing prison for child s– crimes. Silas H. Shelton, 48, has pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful s—-- conduct with a minor and one count of menacing by stalking.

Shelton, who served as a pastor at Blanchester Community Ministries in Clinton County, was arrested in October last year. He was accused of engaging in s—-- activities with a minor. According to investigators, he began having inappropriate contact with a girl in 2019. The victim was only 14 or 15 years old at the time.

The girl and her family were members of Shelton’s congregation. Authorities alleged that the s—-- engagement continued till a few months before his arrest. During the investigation, the victim reportedly told detectives that she felt trapped but was forced to continue the relationship with Shelton due to his authority as a pastor.

The Wilmington Police Department, which investigated the case, withheld information about the victim to protect her identity. “Out of respect for the privacy and safety of the victim and family, WPD will not release identifying information. No additional details will be provided that could compromise the investigation or court proceedings,” the department stated at the time of Shelton’s arrest.

Shelton was initially charged with serious crimes like r—-, s—-- battery, unlawful s—-- contact with a minor, and gross s—-- imposition. He originally entered a not-guilty plea. However, he pleaded guilty to three felony counts of unlawful s—-- conduct with a minor and one misdemeanor count of menacing by stalking on April 20.

The remaining charges against him were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Shelton would now face between one and five years of imprisonment for each felony offense and 180 days for the misdemeanor count. Hence, he could spend 3 to 15 years in prison. Additionally, he has been asked to register as a Tier II s– offender for 25 years. His sentencing hearing will take place on June 22.

Shelton earlier made news for his anti-LGBTQ+ speeches, in which he stated that children should never explore their s*xuality. He particularly targeted Alice Oseman’s graphic novel Heartstopper. In 2023, he appeared at a Little Miami Local School District meeting and expressed his frustration over the novel’s inclusion in a book fair attended by his 12-year-old daughter.

“It isn’t a religion matter ... It’s a health risk. It’s mental health. I don’t think kids should ever question their s*xuality. I don’t think kids should ever explore their s*xuality. I don’t think any of that stuff ever ought to be in our school,” he said at the time.

“But [my daughter] come home asking me why certain books were in that book fair, which were pertaining to books of gay,” Shelton stated, adding, “I don’t understand why we have this kind of stuff in our libraries, in our book fairs. ... I’ll tell you, I got sick reading that stuff today.”