News Summary
Daniel Paul Shealy, a former police officer from Rock Hill, faces multiple federal charges for receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material. The trial began on May 5, 2025, with Shealy charged with 11 counts of distribution and six counts of receipt. Allegations suggest he used the Kik messaging platform to engage in these activities from December 2022 to September 2023. Shealy’s defense argues he shared images privately with his then-wife, denying malicious intent. This case underscores the urgent need for accountability in law enforcement.
Columbia, South Carolina – Daniel Paul Shealy, a former police officer and school resource officer for the Rock Hill Police Department, is currently facing federal charges for receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material. The trial commenced on May 5, 2025, at the Matthew J. Perry Jr. federal courthouse, where jury selection and preliminary proceedings have begun.
Shealy is charged with 11 counts of distributing child sexual abuse material, six counts of receiving it, and one count of attempted receipt. The allegations indicate that Shealy engaged in these activities between December 2022 and September 2023, using his account on the mobile messaging platform Kik. Investigators allege his Kik username, “orgasmd0nor,” was involved in accessing 35 private groups dedicated to sharing child sexual abuse materials.
According to prosecution details, Shealy utilized a cellphone found in his department-issued patrol car to both distribute and receive a total of 17 illicit child images. Specifically, the distribution claims involve 13 video files categorized as child sexual abuse content, varying in length from a few seconds to nearly two minutes. The prosecution emphasizes that this case is critical for holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions, particularly when their duty is to protect children rather than exploit them.
In his defense, Shealy’s legal team contends that the ex-officer used his Kik account primarily to share intimate photographs with his then-wife, suggesting that any illicit material found was inadvertently stored from uploads by other users. Shealy is expected to take the stand in his own defense, asserting that he had no intention of accessing or sharing child pornography.
Shealy’s prior experience in law enforcement includes 12 years of service before he faced these serious charges. His law enforcement certification was revoked on September 28, 2023, following his arrest. Initially, Shealy was apprehended on state charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, but these charges were dismissed to facilitate the federal investigation, which carries heavier penalties.
If convicted of the federal charges, Shealy is looking at a significant prison sentence, with each count possibly leading to a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. Additionally, he could face up to life under federal supervision post-release, alongside mandatory registration as a sex offender. Shealy is currently being held without bond, although his legal team has the opportunity to revisit the possibility of bond at a later date.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched to address and mitigate the exploitation and abuse of children online. As this high-profile trial unfolds, attention remains focused on accountability in law enforcement and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Former Police Officer Charged with Child Exploitation
Rock Hill Teacher Charged with Child Exploitation and Voyeurism
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Community in Rock Hill Faces Series of Tragic Incidents
Rock Hill Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexual Assault of Minor
Shocking Allegations Against Custody Officer in Columbia, SC
Additional Resources
- Fits News
- Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- QC News
- Google Search: Child Sexual Abuse Material
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