KISSIMMEE, Fla. — An Osceola County jury has convicted a former youth mentor on multiple child sex charges involving a 15-year-old boy, and investigators say testimony presented during the trial suggests there could be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Scott Arthur Shaw was found guilty Aug. 5 of two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, two counts of lewd and lascivious touching of certain minors, one count of lewd and lascivious battery, one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and one count of showing obscene material to a minor.
The convictions stem from an Osceola County Sheriff’s Office investigation that began in July 2023. Detectives obtained a felony warrant charging Shaw with sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation, lewd and lascivious touching, and showing obscene material to a minor. The victim was identified as a 15-year-old male.
Shaw was arrested, interviewed by detectives and booked into the Osceola County Jail. He later posted bond pending trial.
During the trial, Shaw testified that he had mentored and had access to more than 150 juveniles before his arrest, often providing financial assistance, emotional support and guidance to young people facing family challenges.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators believe that role allowed Shaw to gain the trust of children and their families, creating opportunities to exploit vulnerable youth. Detectives also allege Shaw used his standing in the community and relationships with prominent individuals to build credibility while mentoring young people.
Investigators said Shaw’s own testimony has led them to believe there may be additional victims who have not reported similar incidents.
“This pattern of behavior is consistent with the circumstances that allowed him to access the victim in this case,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, adding that anyone who may have been targeted, contacted or harmed by Shaw is encouraged to come forward.
Authorities emphasized that anyone with information related to the case, or who believes they may have been victimized by Shaw, can contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222.
Shaw remains in custody at the Osceola County Jail while awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for Sept. 30.
Exmentor juvenil de Osceola es declarado culpable de múltiples delitos sexuales contra un menor; detectives creen que podría haber más víctimas
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Un jurado del Condado Osceola declaró culpable a Scott Arthur Shaw de múltiples delitos sexuales cometidos contra un adolescente de 15 años, y los investigadores creen que podrían existir más víctimas que aún no han denunciado los hechos.
El jurado emitió su veredicto el 5 de agosto, encontrándolo culpable de dos cargos de abuso lascivo de un menor, dos cargos de tocamientos lascivos a menores, un cargo de agresión sexual lasciva, un cargo de contribuir a la delincuencia de un menor y un cargo de mostrar material obsceno a un menor.
El caso se originó tras una investigación de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado Osceola iniciada en julio de 2023. Shaw fue arrestado y posteriormente quedó en libertad bajo fianza mientras esperaba el juicio.
Durante el proceso, Shaw declaró que antes de su arresto había sido mentor de más de 150 jóvenes, brindándoles apoyo económico, emocional y orientación. Según los investigadores, esa posición le permitió ganarse la confianza de menores y sus familias.
La Oficina del Sheriff indicó que, con base en el propio testimonio de Shaw, existe la posibilidad de que haya más víctimas. Cualquier persona que crea haber sido contactada o perjudicada por Shaw puede comunicarse con la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado Osceola al 407-348-2222. Shaw permanece en la Cárcel del Condado Osceola mientras espera su sentencia, programada para el 30 de septiembre.
