Terry Shaw Sentenced To 24 Years For Child Molestation, Habitual Offender
WARSAW — An Anderson man was sentenced today in Kosciusko Superior One Court for child molestation and being a habitual offender. He was found guilty of both charges after a recent jury trial.
Terry Lee Shaw, 54, 357 Imagination Drive, Anderson, was charged with child molestation, a level 4 felony.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on July 8, 2016, Shaw was invited to stay at a summer residence in Kosciusko County with his girlfriend. Shaw got into a fight with his girlfriend and was asked to leave the residence.
Upon his departure, a minor staying at the residence informed her grandmother, Shaw’s girlfriend, that Shaw had touched her genital area. The minor stated that Shaw was on a sofa covered with a blanket when he pulled down the minor’s shorts, placing his hand beneath her underwear and touching her genital area.
Shaw told the victim not to tell anyone about what had occurred, and she didn’t until Shaw left the residence.
Deputy Prosecutor Brad Voelz presented letters in court today on behalf of the victim’s mother and grandmother.
“Our lives have forever been changed by this disgusting act,” the victim’s mother stated in her letter. “I feel myself constantly in fear of my children’s safety. Terry left our lives in shambles. No child should have to bear this burden. We will live with this event for the rest of our lives.”
“He took my granddaughter’s innocence,” the victim’s grandmother said in her letter. “It’s unforgivable.”
Defense attorney John Barrett said that Shaw understands he’s done some things wrong, making the argument to not give a life sentence.
“He’d like to have some life left with his child,” Barrett said, stating that Shaw has a minor child.
Judge David Cates stated that Shaw has a substantial criminal history and is currently serving a six-year sentence.
Judge Cates sentenced Shaw to 24 years in custody for child molesting and for being a habitual offender due to his criminal history.