Rock Hill, South Carolina, November 27, 2025

Daniel Paul Shealy, a former Rock Hill Police officer, has been sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material. The case was prosecuted following an investigation initiated in 2023, which revealed his involvement in multiple online groups sharing such materials. Shealy’s conviction underscores the importance of accountability in law enforcement and the commitment to combat child exploitation within the community.

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Former Rock Hill Police Officer Sentenced to Over 21 Years for Child Sexual Abuse Material

In a significant legal development, Daniel Paul Shealy, a former detective and school resource officer with the Rock Hill Police Department, has been sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material. The sentencing took place on November 4, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Conviction Details

Shealy, 36, was convicted in May 2025 on 18 counts related to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The charges stemmed from an investigation initiated in 2023 when the York County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This tip led authorities to Shealy’s online activities, where he was found to be a member of over 40 private groups on the messaging app Kik, dedicated to exchanging such material. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Shealy sent 13 videos and received six videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. He was arrested in September 2023 after more than 120 videos were discovered on his phone. Following his arrest, Shealy was terminated from his position with the Rock Hill Police Department.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI Columbia Field Office, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys prosecuted the case. Shealy faced a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each count. In addition to the prison sentence, he is required to register as a sex offender and faces potential fines up to $250,000.

Background Context

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

Recent Related Cases in South Carolina

• Former State Lawmaker Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material
  In September 2025, Robert John May, III, a former state lawmaker from West Columbia, pleaded guilty to five counts of distributing child sexual abuse material. May faces five to 20 years in federal prison for each count, along with mandatory registration as a sex offender and potential fines up to $250,000.
• Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Theft and Drug Charges
  In October 2025, Chuck Wright, the former sheriff of Spartanburg County, pleaded guilty to federal charges including conspiracy to commit theft, wire fraud, and illegally obtaining controlled substances. Wright admitted to stealing about $80,000 from his department’s benevolence fund and misappropriating funds for personal use. He faces up to 30 years in prison, though a lighter sentence is expected, along with at least $440,000 in restitution.

Impact on the Community

The sentencing of Daniel Paul Shealy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The case underscores the critical need for thorough investigations and the prosecution of individuals who exploit their positions of trust to harm vulnerable children. The Rock Hill community, along with the broader South Carolina region, continues to grapple with the implications of such breaches of trust and remains committed to supporting victims and preventing future offenses.

Conclusion

The conviction and sentencing of Daniel Paul Shealy highlight the ongoing efforts to combat child sexual exploitation in South Carolina. Through collaborative investigations and legal actions, authorities aim to hold perpetrators accountable and protect children from abuse. The community’s response to this case reflects a collective commitment to justice and the well-being of its members.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Key Features of the Case

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