Press release
On Wednesday, September 11, 2019, SHAYNE HILDRETH, a resident of Eagle, New York, was convicted following a four day jury trial in Wyoming County Court before the Honorable Michael M. Mohun of Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance as a Sexually Motived Felony, Unlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree, Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Defendant faces up to 22 years in New York State Prison with 15 years of post release supervision when he is sentenced on October 24, 2019.
The Defendant, a 39 year old man, set up a camera and surreptitiously videotaped a 14 year old child. In addition, the Defendant engaged in sexual acts with the child victim over a period of time. The charges arose when the victim came forward, in the State of Missouri, to report the abuse. As a result of those actions, Missouri Law Enforcement, the New York State Police, and the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed multiple search warrants in both the State of Missouri as well as in Wyoming County, New York. During the execution of those search warrants, they located the camera that was used as well as numerous images of unknown children being sexually abused.
The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Vincent A. Hemming. Norman P. Effman, Esq. represented the Defendant.
“I want to commend the bravery of the victim in this case in coming forward. Her courage of being steadfast against evil and a system that is not victim friendly will never be forgotten. I also want to thank the jury for their service. This was certainly a difficult case for them to sit on, given the evidence that they were required to see.
“My office continues to being committed to bringing people like Mr. Hildreth to justice. I am so proud of the effort that First Assistant DA Vincent Hemming and Crime Victim Advocate Colleen Marvel put into this case. Their hard work and long hours along with the teamwork of all of the police agencies involved with this case was nothing short of amazing. We will be seeking the absolute maximum sentence allowed by law,” said Wyoming County District Attorney Donald O’Geen.