ALBANY, KY – Kentucky State Police report that, on Friday, June 27, 2025, KSP Post 15 Troopers made an arrest in a cold case sexual abuse investigation in Clinton County.
The investigation initially began back in 1999, when a KSP Trooper received a report that James Shelton, currently 61, of Albany, was sexually abusing his juvenile daughter. Due to a lack of evidence, the investigation inevitably turned cold.
On June 17, 2025, a Trooper obtained new information about the case, leading to the renewal of the investigation. As a result of the investigation, the Trooper obtained information leading to the arrest of Mr. Shelton.
James Shelton was lodged in the Clinton County Detention Center. Senior Trooper Brandon Poole is leading the investigation, which remains ongoing.
James Shelton is charged with:
- 34 counts of Sexual Abuse 1st Degree – Victim Under 12
- 20 counts of Sodomy 1st Degree – Victim Under 12
Additional charges are potentially forthcoming on Mr. Shelton.
James Shelton was lodged at the Russell County Detention Center in Russell Springs, Kentucky at the time of this publishing.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Russell County Detention Center.
The information below is from JailTracker/Russell County Detention Center in Russell Springs, Kentucky
JAMES SHELTON
Charges
SEXUAL ABUSE, 1ST DEGREE, VICTIM U/12 YEARS OF AGE
| Code | Court Date | Court Type | Court Name | Status | Offense Date | Arrest Date | Arresting Agency | Bond Type | Bond Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11221 | Pending | 2025-06-27 | 2025-06-27 | Other | Cash | 100000.00 |
SODOMY, 1ST DEGREE - VICTIM <12 YRS OF AGE
| Code | Court Date | Court Type | Court Name | Status | Offense Date | Arrest Date | Arresting Agency | Bond Type | Bond Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11186 | Pending | 2025-06-27 | 2025-06-27 | Other | Cash | 0.00 |
Current Age: 61
Booking Date: 7/1/2025 8:29:00 AM
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 160 lbs
Hair Color: GRAY
Eye Color: GREEN
Race: WHITE
Sex: M
Arresting Officer: POOLE
Badge: 1213
Arrest Date: 06/27/2025
Address: ALBANY, KY
Zip: 42602
Inmate Classification: COUNTY
