Wyoming Church Leader Arrested on Felony Charge for Child Molestation in Florida
In a distressing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, Richard Shaw, a 69-year-old worship leader and youth group leader from Wyoming, is facing a felony charge in Florida for lewd molestation of a girl younger than 12. The arrest was made by the Riverton Police Department in Wyoming on a warrant from Polk County, Florida, following allegations that Shaw inappropriately touched the young girl during a visit to Lakeland in December 2023.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Shaw had returned to Wyoming when the victim’s mother learned of the incident. The girl disclosed that Shaw had allegedly touched her underneath and over her clothing. Disturbingly, the mother confronted Shaw, who reportedly admitted to the inappropriate contact during the phone conversation.
Shaw, a worship leader at “Under Command Ministries” in Freemont County, Wyoming, and active in the youth ministry of the church, now faces a first-degree felony charge of lewd molestation. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office released a statement revealing that detectives have informed the Freemont County Sheriff’s Office in Wyoming, initiating an independent investigation to ascertain if Shaw victimized any children in that jurisdiction.
During an interview with detectives in Polk County, Shaw confessed to being addicted to pornography and claimed to have “given in to temptation” when he touched the child in Lakeland. Shockingly, he also admitted to not being trustworthy around children. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, addressing the media during a press conference, characterized Shaw as an “evil person” and deemed him “dangerous.”
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Sheriff Judd expressed concern over the possibility that Shaw might have victimized other children and emphasized collaboration with Wyoming law enforcement to investigate further. He stressed the importance of ensuring that Shaw is never allowed access to children again. The sheriff refrained from disclosing specific details about the incident to protect the identity of the child involved.
Richard Shaw was apprehended on January 4, with his subsequent booking into the Freemont County Jail in Wyoming. The extradition process to transfer him to Polk County, Florida, for legal proceedings is expected to take place at a later date.
The arrest of Shaw was part of an announcement by Sheriff Grady Judd, who revealed two separate arrests for sex crimes against children in Polk County. Judd underscored the commitment to safeguarding children and expressed hope that Shaw’s actions did not extend to victimizing other children in Wyoming.
This deeply troubling case has prompted a broader investigation into Shaw’s affiliations with other churches in the area. Wyoming authorities are actively involved in probing any potential additional victims and ensuring the safety of children under Shaw’s influence.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is left grappling with the shocking revelation about a figure of trust within the church facing such serious criminal charges. The case serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to prioritize the safety and well-being of children within religious organizations and underscores the collaborative efforts needed to address and prevent such heinous acts.
