(McCONNELSVILLE, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that a Morgan County Common Pleas jury has convicted former Stockport Mayor Michael Shane Shuster on 21 felony counts including eight counts of gross sexual imposition, seven counts of sexual battery and six counts of rape.
A special prosecutor from the Ohio Attorney General's Crimes Against Children Unit was assigned to the case to assist Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Howdyshell.
"It is frankly unconscionable that anyone would repeatedly sexually abuse an underage child," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. "We are pleased with the jury's verdict and hope to see a lengthy sentence for these crimes."
Shuster faces a sentence of 25 years to life for each of three counts of rape of a juvenile under 13. The other charges of which Shuster was convicted could each include sentences between six months and 11 years, depending on the charge.
Sentencing is expected to occur on May 22, 2013.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine formed the Crimes Against Children Initiative in late 2011. It is comprised of staff experts to help local law enforcement investigate and prosecute criminals who victimize children.
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