Kentucky man arrested in 1999 child sexual abuse case allegedly writes apology letter

ALBANY, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky State Police (KSP) made a breakthrough in a 25-year-old cold case, according to a news release Monday afternoon.

The KSP news release said the investigation began in 1999, when KSP troopers received a report that the now 61-year-old James Shelton of Albany was allegedly sexually abusing a juvenile.

No arrest was made due to a lack of evidence, per police, but a trooper received information on June 17, leading to the renewal of the investigation.

Shelton was arrested and charged with 34 counts of first-degree sexual abuse (victim under 12) and 20 counts of first-degree sodomy (victim under 12).

According to an arrest citation, Shelton admitted to the abuse during an interview with authorities, saying it started when the victim was four and continued until they were about 12.

An officer wrote that Shelton said he stopped the abuse after the victim reported the violence to social services around 13 years old.

Shelton reportedly said a bad marriage was one of the reasons for the abuse and ended the interview by writing an apology letter to the victim.

Police said more charges are possible.

Shelton was lodged in the Clinton County Detention Center. Court records show his bond was set at $100,000.

The investigation is ongoing.