A man who sent a Facebook message claiming responsibility for a sexual assault, So I raped you, has been sentenced to two to four years in prison for his actions on a Pennsylvania college campus. Ian Cleary, 32, pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault of Shannon Keeler at Gettysburg College in 2013, a case that remained unresolved for nearly a decade, highlighting systemic issues in the prosecution of campus sexual assault cases.
During the sentencing, Keeler delivered a powerful statement to the court, describing the pain of re-opening old wounds and the struggles she faced while pursuing justice. Despite the judge’s acknowledgment of Cleary’s guilty plea and his expressed remorse, Keeler criticized how the system had often favored the perpetrator over the victim. The system meant to protect me protected you instead, she stated, emphasizing that her experience was not an isolated incident but a reflection of what many women face.
The initial proposal for sentencing was four to eight years, yet the judge considered Cleary's mental health issues and willingness to pursue treatment in his reduced sentence. As Keeler shared her emotional journey for justice during the years leading up to the indictment, she noted the challenges victims often encounter, especially in campus settings where reporting and prosecution rates are notably low.
Cleary’s actions, including his Facebook message, which he claimed was an attempt at remorse through a 12-step program, have sparked widespread criticism regarding how such sensitive and impactful issues are treated within education systems. Victims like Keeler continue to advocate for reforms to ensure that their voices are heard and taken seriously, pushing for accountability in handling such cases.
This situation has led to renewed discussions around campus safety, prosecution reluctance, and the systemic failures that can prevent justice for victims of sexual assault.
During the sentencing, Keeler delivered a powerful statement to the court, describing the pain of re-opening old wounds and the struggles she faced while pursuing justice. Despite the judge’s acknowledgment of Cleary’s guilty plea and his expressed remorse, Keeler criticized how the system had often favored the perpetrator over the victim. The system meant to protect me protected you instead, she stated, emphasizing that her experience was not an isolated incident but a reflection of what many women face.
The initial proposal for sentencing was four to eight years, yet the judge considered Cleary's mental health issues and willingness to pursue treatment in his reduced sentence. As Keeler shared her emotional journey for justice during the years leading up to the indictment, she noted the challenges victims often encounter, especially in campus settings where reporting and prosecution rates are notably low.
Cleary’s actions, including his Facebook message, which he claimed was an attempt at remorse through a 12-step program, have sparked widespread criticism regarding how such sensitive and impactful issues are treated within education systems. Victims like Keeler continue to advocate for reforms to ensure that their voices are heard and taken seriously, pushing for accountability in handling such cases.
This situation has led to renewed discussions around campus safety, prosecution reluctance, and the systemic failures that can prevent justice for victims of sexual assault.
