Shipman gets 20 years

CRESCO - Steven James Shipman, age 49, of Cresco, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he agreed to a plea bargain on March 14.

Shipman had two charges against him involving 12 and 13-year-old boys. One took place over the Labor Day weekend 2021 and several incidents from Nov. 16-25, 2020.

Attorney for the State, Howard County Attorney Kevin Schoeberl noted the plea was offered so the children would not have to testify.

By pleading guilty to three counts for Boy A (sexual exploitation of a minor - cause to engage in act and two for sexual abuse third degree - child victim, all Class C felonies) and taking an Alford plea for Boy B (sexual exploitation of a minor - cause to engage in act and one for sexual abuse third degree - child victim), Shipman was given 20 years, with the possibility of parole.

Judge Alan Heavens made sure Shipman understood what was happening throughout the hearing. The guardian and mother of the children were given the satisfaction of hearing him admit to what he had done. The judge gave the charges for Boy A and asked, “Did you commit this offense?” To which Shipman answered in the affirmative.

Heavens asked, “What do you plead?”

“Guilty, your honor.”

The accused took an Alford plea for Boy B. The judge explained, “You believe you are innocent of both those charges, but agree there is strong evidence [to the contrary].” Shipman agreed.

Although the plea bargain had been worked out and accepted, the county attorney was given a chance to speak. “This has been traumatic for both children and quite frankly has messed up their lives,” he told the judge.

The guardian of one boy and mother of the other each gave victim impact statements. 

One concluded, “You may get off for good behavior, but the children will not get off. They will carry this with them for the rest of their life.”

The other was a little more blunt, “You deserve to be raped every day for the rest of your life, until you die.”

After sentencing Shipman, Heavens said to him, “You caused a lot of pain to a lot of people. I hope you use your time in prison . . . to turn your life around.”

Shipman will be sent to IMCC when a bed becomes available. Until then, he will stay at the Howard County jail, where he has for the previous 181 days.