A Wichita, Kan., man who enticed a 14-year-old Batavia girl into sending him naked pictures of herself through text messages was sentenced in Federal Court yesterday to more than 26 years in prison.
Shane M. McClelland, 26, Wichita, Kan., was convicted in a jury trial in May on one count of producing child pornography.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that McCelland used the Internet to strike up a relationship with a 14-year-old girl in Batavia.
At McClelland’s request, the girl sent photographs of herself naked to McClelland. The mother of one of the girl’s friends became aware of what happened and reported it to police.
Det. Todd Crossett and Office Jay Andrews initiated the investigation in Batavia and during the course of the investigation Crossett posed as a 14-year-old girl and communicated with McClelland.
Crossett testified at McClelland's trial in May about the chain of evidence and his exchange of text messages with McClelland.
After McClelland's conviction, Crossett said, "He was definitely a sexual predator. He had a past history of doing this sort of thing and he does it again soon after he gets out of prison. That indicates the kind of person he is."
At sentencing in Federal Court in Wichita, prosecutors asked the judge to take into consideration McClelland’s prior conviction in September 2004 in Sedgwick County District Court for aggravated indecent liberties with a 13-year-old girl.
According to LJWorld.com:
McClelland's lawyer argued 20 percent of teens are "sexting" and said the sentence amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. He said the 14-year-old was old enough to know better.
" McClelland's lawyer argued
" McClelland's lawyer argued 20 percent of teens are "sexting" and said the sentence amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. He said the 14-year-old was old enough to know better."
BLAME THE VICTIM. If the 14 year old was supposedly old enough to know better, what does that say about a 26 year old that ALREADY has been convicted of the SAME THING - - why didn't HE know better ? !
Six years isn't be long ENOUGH.
Irene, I think you mean "26
Irene,
I think you mean "26 years" is not enough, and I agree!!
Gary - you're right - - 26
Gary - you're right - - 26 years is not enough - - I didn't read the article closely enough. Or, my old eyes failed me again. Thanks.
I completely agree with you
I completely agree with you both, He should get no less than 30 years. I feel sorry for the girl because the problem is that there seems to be NO parenting anymore. Kids don't know any better because parents these days rely on electronics and cell phones to be babysitters. SHES 14! Look at your bill! You can track texts and phone calls of your child, husband, wife, etc. We may not have the technology to view the texts being sent but you can see if out of state area codes are being called or texted. Get involved in your childs life. Parents .... not Friends!
"McClelland's lawyer argued
"McClelland's lawyer argued 20 percent of teens are "sexting" and said the sentence amounted to cruel and unusual punishment."
If he thinks 26 years is cruel and inhumane, just give this animal to me for 26 HOURS.
He will not re-offend.
Bob.......I'll take care it
Bob.......I'll take care it in 26 SECONDS........
I've said it before and I'll
I've said it before and I'll say it again, kids do not need smart phones and they don't need access to a computer unsupervised. If a child needs a cell phone for emergency use, get them a tracfone (the cheapest priced model). They don't need a droid or an iphone. On the home computer, use monitoring software such as net nanny or Bsecure. Don't allow them to have the computer in their room!
I can't stand it when I hear a parent say something like "My children are good kids..they would never do blah blah blah..waaa waaa waaa..." - Please do not kid yourself (pun intended). They're kids...of COURSE they would! Just remember being a kid and you'll understand what you're up against as a parent. Scary, huh?
"McClelland's lawyer argued
"McClelland's lawyer argued 20 percent of teens are "sexting" and said the sentence amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. He said the 14-year-old was old enough to know better."
Lawyers? Scum Bags or not? In this case another yay for Scum Bag. Really she is 14 and should know better! Come on Jackass, he is 26 and should know better than her! What type of lawyer is this guy? Probably another perv who received his Law Degree through the prison system and open up his own Law Office.
Amen Doug!
Amen Doug!