Ian Cleary, a 32-year-old man, was sentenced to two to four years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to the sexual assault of Shannon Keeler at Gettysburg College in 2013. The judge considered Cleary's guilty plea, mental health history, and expressed remorse when handing down the sentence, which was below the state guidelines.
Keeler, who detailed her traumatic experience in a powerful victim impact statement, expressed her feelings of betrayal by a justice system that she felt had protected her assailant rather than her. The system meant to protect me protected you instead, she stated, emphasizing the emotional toll the case has taken over the years.
The case, which was initially left unprosecuted for years, gained traction after Cleary sent the Facebook message, So I raped you, as part of a perceived effort for atonement. This prompted Keeler to renew her pursuit of justice. Cleary's history revealed that he had moved to California, graduated from Stanford University, and worked for prominent companies, including Tesla, before being extradited from France.
Despite potential for a decade in prison, the judge deemed the sentencing appropriate, citing Cleary's indications of remorse. However, Keeler’s attorney expressed disappointment, arguing that the sentence did not reflect the severity of Cleary’s actions.
Cleary's family was notably absent during most of the court proceedings, highlighting the isolated nature of this legal battle. After years of persistence from Keeler, the conviction marks an important yet painful chapter in her quest for justice.
