KSP arrests Clinton County man after sexual abuse investigation

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers have 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, charging him with 34 counts of Sexual Abuse 1st Degree – Victim Under 12 and 20 counts of Sodomy 1st Degree – Victim Under 12. Additional charges are potentially forthcoming on Mr. Shelton.

James Shelton was lodged in the Clinton County Detention Center. Senior Trooper Brandon Poole is leading the investigation, which remains ongoing.