Former S.C. church musician faces child sexual abuse charges

A South Carolina federal grand jury recently indicted Richard Channing Shealy, age 54, on nine counts of producing, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material, according to the Justice Department. Shealy also faces more than 30 charges related to child abuse at the state level. He is considered legally innocent until proven guilty in court.

Shealy previously served as a worship leader at two South Carolina churches, Lexington Baptist Church and River District Church, according to local news outlet The Post and Courier. The Lexington church’s executive pastor, Joshua Forrest, told WORLD that he was not aware of any connection between the charges and the church. Shealy last served at the church six years ago, and he completed a background check and training prior to serving, Forrest said. WORLD has also contacted River District Church for comment and will update this story with any response received.

Shealy’s alleged child abuse dated back to 2004, according to the Justice Department. Officials arrested him after he shared files of child sex abuse material, or CSAM, with an undercover Homeland Security Investigations agent. A search of his home and computer uncovered more such material, the Justice Department said. If convicted, he could spend a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for the counts of producing child sexual abuse material. He also faces 20 years for the distribution and possession charges, along with hefty fines for each charge.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report on the FBI’s recent seizure of web domains linked to child abuse material.