Silas H. Shelton, an anti-LGBTQ pastor in Wilmington, Ohio, admitted to three third-degree felony counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The charges stem from abuse that began in 2019 and involved a teenage girl from his congregation at Blanchester Community Church. Authorities say the abuse continued for several years, ending shortly before his arrest in October 2025.
Shelton entered the plea on April 20, just before his scheduled five-day trial. Under the agreement, he faces a prison sentence ranging from three to 15 years and must register as a Tier II sex offender for 25 years. Prosecutors stated Shelton used his role as a pastor to groom and manipulate the victim, with incidents occurring across multiple locations. Other serious charges, including rape and sexual battery, were dismissed as part of the plea deal. Before his arrest, Shelton had been active in local school board meetings, opposing queer representation in education.
He criticized Pride flags and called for the removal of books like Heartstopper, expressing concern after his daughter encountered the title at a school book fair. Authorities described a pattern of exploitation linked to Shelton’s position of trust within the church and his access to the victim through community connections.
