While Shelton had initially pleaded not guilty to all charges and was set to go to trial on Monday (April 27), he has now pleaded guilty to three third-degree felony charges, including unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and one count of menacing by stalking, which was downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanor in exchange for his guilty plea.
All other charges have been dropped.
Each felony count carries a potential prison term of 12-60 months. Shelton could face a maximum of 15 years in prison if the sentences are imposed consecutively.
The misdemeanor charge carries a potential jail term of up to 180 days.
Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Sievers indicated that the victim’s family knew and trusted Shelton. He said, “He would pick her up most weekdays and return her home on days that typically no one was present.”
Shelton is set to be sentenced on June 22. Shelton is out on bond pending his sentencing.
