In a case that underscores the complexities of prosecuting campus sexual assaults, Ian Cleary has been sentenced to two to four years in prison for the 2013 sexual assault of Shannon Keeler, a fellow student at Gettysburg College. This sentencing follows Cleary’s extradition from France and marks the culmination of nearly 12 years of Keeler’s persistent legal battle.
Overview of the Gettysburg College Assault Case
The assault by Cleary occurred on the eve of winter break in 2013 when he unlawfully entered Keeler’s dorm room and attacked her. At the time, Keeler was an 18-year-old freshman.
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Despite her immediate report to the police, the case went unprosecuted for years. This delay reflects a broader hesitation among prosecutors to pursue campus sexual assault cases, a reluctance that Keeler highlighted in a 2021 Associated Press article.
Cleary, now 32, had since left Gettysburg, completed his education in California, and worked for Tesla before moving abroad. His eventual arrest came after a Facebook message he sent in 2019, stating, “So I raped you,” rekindled Keeler’s resolve to seek justice. Cleary claimed the message was part of a 12-step program, aimed at finding atonement.
Ian Cleary’s Sentencing: Key Details and Impact
During the sentencing, Cleary expressed remorse and apologized to both Keeler and his father. His legal team cited his guilty plea, expressed remorse, and a history of mental illness as factors for a reduced sentence. Despite facing a maximum sentence of 10 years, the court considered these elements in delivering a lesser sentence.
In a poignant impact statement, Keeler addressed the court, articulating the emotional toll the assault and ensuing legal struggle had taken, reports KPTV.
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“The system meant to protect me protected you instead,” she told Cleary, referencing the obstacles she faced in pursuing her case.
Andrea Levy, Keeler’s attorney, acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding the sentence. While it was less than anticipated, there was relief that the case had reached a conclusion.
A Broader Context of Justice for Campus Sexual Assault Victims
The Gettysburg College Assault Case case highlights the systemic challenges survivors face in seeking justice. In many instances, such as this one, the pursuit of legal action can span years, with victims often needing to continually advocate for themselves against a backdrop of institutional inertia.
The case also emphasizes the international dimension of justice, as authorities in both the U.S. and Europe coordinated to locate and extradite Cleary after his indictment, which followed renewed attention from Keeler’s public disclosure.
If you are a victim of sexual assault and want to speak with someone or access resources, please visit the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) website at rainn.org. You can also call 800-656-4673 or chat online at online.rainn.org.
