A worship and church youth group leader from Wyoming is facing a first-degree felony charge in Florida after being accused of inappropriately touching a young girl. Richard Shaw, 69, was arrested by the Riverton Police Department in Wyoming on a warrant out of Polk County, Florida, for lewd molestation. The incident allegedly occurred during Shaw’s visit to Lakeland, Florida, in December 2023, when he touched the girl, who is younger than 12. Shaw had returned to Wyoming when the girl informed her mother about the incident, stating that Shaw had touched her underneath and over her clothing. The mother immediately reported the incident to the authorities.
Shaw, who was a worship leader at “Under Command Ministries” in Freemont County, Wyoming, and also worked in the youth ministry area, has been charged with lewd molestation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office has notified the Freemont County Sheriff’s Office and requested their assistance in investigating whether Shaw has victimized any children in Wyoming.
During an interview with detectives, Shaw confessed to being addicted to pornography and succumbing to temptation when he touched the child in Lakeland. He also expressed that he should not be trusted around children. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described Shaw as an “evil person” and “dangerous,” emphasizing the need to ensure that he never has access to children again.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with Wyoming law enforcement to determine if Shaw has victimized any other children in the area. As the investigation continues, authorities are taking necessary precautions to protect the identity of the victim.
Shaw was taken into custody on January 4 and is currently held at the Freemont County Jail. He will be extradited to Polk County at a later date to face the charges against him.
It is important to address incidents of child abuse and ensure that those responsible face appropriate legal consequences. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies in different states highlights the commitment to protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.
