Dec. 13, 2023, Columbia, South Carolina

In a shocking development, a former police officer of the Rock Hill Police Department, Daniel Shealy, 35, has been indicted on child sexual abuse material charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina shared these reports.

Federal Grand Jury Indictment

A federal grand jury in Columbia recently returned an 18-count indictment against Shealy. The indictment includes 12 counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material and an additional six counts of receipt of child sexual abuse material.

The indictment alleges that Shealy created and operated an account on a social media platform where he would distribute and receive child sexual abuse material. Furthermore, it is claimed that Shealy used a cellular device, which was recovered from his department-issued patrol car, for these illicit activities.

Child Sexual Abuse Materials

The ex-police officer allegedly distributed 13 child sexual abuse videos and received six child sex abuse videos between June 2 and Sept. 17, 2023. The lengths of these videos varied from five seconds to one minute and 43 seconds.

Shealy has been a member of the department since January 2011, serving on patrol until Aug. 7, 2017. He was then transferred to become a school resource officer at South Pointe High School. His final assignment began on June 5, 2023, within the criminal investigations division. He has been dismissed from the department with immediate effect.

Links to On-Duty Hours?

However, it is essential to note that there are no indications so far that the allegations occurred while Shealy was on duty.

Possible Sentencing

Each count charged carries a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. Apart from facing potentially lengthy incarceration, Shealy is also staring at the possibility of up to a lifetime of federal supervision, potential registration as a sex offender, and additional monetary penalties.

Shealy has waived his right to a bond and was detained pending trial by United States Magistrate Judge Shiva V. Hodges.

Project Safe Childhood

This case comes as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to safeguard children against online abuse and exploitation. Launched by the United States Attorney’s Offices, this project collectively musters federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue the victims.

The shocking development has shocked the local community, and all await the final developments and court verdict in this deeply unsettling case. Meanwhile, authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that the justice system prevails and that our community is kept safe from such unsettling acts.