Couple Who Drugged And Raped Young Girl Multiple Times Sentenced To 360 Months In Prison

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering sentenced Amy Lucille Shanty, of Scottville, Michigan, to 30 years in prison for creating multiple videos of child pornography after drugging and raping a young girl. Co-defendant in this case, Michael James Walworth, of Scottville, was also sentenced to 30 years in June.

          “The facts of this case are appalling,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “My office is fully committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens. As this case demonstrates, we will hold those who harm our kids accountable.”

           For years, the young girl visited Walworth and Shanty, who were supposed to be caring for her. Walworth and Shanty drugged the young girl and gave her gifts to coax her into engaging in sex acts with them. Walworth also set up hidden cameras in his home, which he used to capture the young girl while she was in the bathroom. When police executed a search warrant at the couple’s home, they also uncovered an extensive collection of child pornography on Walworth’s computer that he had downloaded over the Internet.

          “This sentencing is a testament to HSI’s commitment along with our partners to identify, investigate and prosecute perpetrators who prey on innocent children in our communities,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “It is my hope that this justice brings some measure of peace to the courageous survivors of Shanty and Walworth’s horrific crimes.”

          This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following web site: www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.

          This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, , the Scottville Police Department, and the Mason County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Davin M. Reust.

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