As Daniel Villarreal reported for LGBTQ Nation, an Ohio pastor who previously made headlines for leading a crusade against LGBTQ+ books and Pride flags in schools has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Silas H. Shelton, a former religious leader at Blanchester Community Church, pleaded guilty to three felony counts involving a 14-year-old girl from his congregation.
The abuse reportedly began in 2019 and continued for years, with Shelton using his construction business to isolate the young victim. During sentencing, Judge Andrew McCoy handed down the maximum penalty, noting that Shelton demonstrated absolutely no accountability and had instead attempted to blame the 14-year-old child for his actions.
Shelton’s sentencing stands in stark contrast to his recent public persona as a self-appointed protector of youth. In 2023, he successfully pressured a local school district to restrict its book fairs after publicly decrying the availability of LGBTQ+ graphic novels and calling Pride flags a “disgusting display” that posed health risks to students.
To read the full timeline of the case, the judge’s complete remarks, and the broader community impact, visit Daniel Villarreal’s original reporting on LGBTQ Nation at: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/06/pastor-said-lgbtq-books-flags-harm-kids-now-hes-going-to-for-with-a-child/
