An anti-LGBTQ+ pastor from Ohio, known for his vocal opposition to LGBTQ+ materials in schools, has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Silas H. Shelton, a pastor from Wilmington, Ohio, and leader at Blanchester Community Church, received the maximum 15-year prison sentence on Monday. Clinton County Judge Andrew McCoy cited Shelton’s complete lack of remorse and accountability as key reasons for the harsh penalty.
The judge directly addressed the defendant during sentencing, stating, “You choose rather to blame the victim and claim that you, incredulously … were the victim of abuse at her home, a 14-year-old child.”
Shelton was initially arrested in October 2025 on multiple serious charges, including 12 counts related to rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. He ultimately pleaded guilty to three third-degree felony counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Upon release, he will be required to register as a Tier II sex offender every six months for 25 years.
The abuse began in 2019 and involved a 14-year-old girl from his congregation. It continued for several years until shortly before his arrest. Prosecutors detailed how Shelton hired the girl to work for his construction business.
He would pick her up on weekdays when her parents were often absent and engage in sexual conduct with her in various locations, including while returning from work sites, at Cowan Lake, and at the Holiday Inn at the Roberts Center.
Clinton County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Shidaker told the court that Shelton “pulled off on a wooded back road with her and climbed on top of her,” adding that he admitted in court to taking her virginity.
A detective’s probable cause statement highlighted the grooming dynamics, noting that the young woman “felt groomed, trapped, and manipulated due to Shelton’s position as a religious authority.” During sentencing, the victim expressed that no prison term could restore what had been taken from her.
Prior to his arrest, Shelton had positioned himself as a defender of children against perceived harms from LGBTQ+ content. In 2023, he spoke before the Little Miami Local School District board, criticizing the presence of LGBTQ+ books at a school book fair. He specifically objected to his 12-year-old daughter seeing the graphic novel series Heartstopper by Alice Oseman.
“I don’t think kids should ever question their sexuality. I don’t think kids should ever explore their sexuality. I don’t think any of that stuff ever ought to be in our school,” Shelton said at the time. He also described Pride flags in classrooms as “a disgusting display” that caused division. His remarks prompted the district to temporarily pause book fairs and implement additional screening measures.
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