Trial Date Confirmed for Ex-Teacher Facing 12 Child Molestation Charges
UPDATE: The trial for former Benicia Unified teacher Matthew Joseph Shelton, accused of 12 felony counts of child molestation, is set to proceed as scheduled on November 5, 2024, in Solano County Superior Court. This development follows a management conference where critical decisions about the case were made.
The court, led by Judge John B. Ellis, also addressed a motion regarding the protection of information related to the alleged victims. Shelton, aged 43, appeared before the judge in Vallejo, remaining out of custody on a pretrial services contract. His attorney, Amanda I. Bevins, is preparing for a significant legal battle as the prosecution, led by Deputy District Attorney Barry Shapiro, pushes forward with the case.
The allegations against Shelton involve lewd and lascivious acts on four children under the age of 14 during his employment at Robert Semple Elementary School. The court has scheduled a critical hearing for October 6, 2024, to confirm the trial date and address the motion to quash evidence related to one or more minors linked to the case.
“I have a responsibility to make sure this person (a minor) is protected,”
said Judge Bowers during a previous hearing, emphasizing the court’s commitment to safeguarding the identities of vulnerable individuals.
Shelton’s legal troubles come on the heels of a December 2024 preliminary hearing, where a ruling confirmed sufficient evidence to proceed with trial. Notably, Shelton previously faced similar charges during his tenure in Napa, where he was acquitted in 2008 after a jury trial. The current allegations, however, stem from incidents reported in 2022 while he was employed in Benicia.
In an additional twist, records indicate Shelton resigned from Benicia Unified on March 23, 2023, but later gained employment at Helms Middle School in Pinole. His teaching credential was suspended on March 11, 2024, but not revoked until July 28, 2024. Authorities are scrutinizing his past employment records as part of the ongoing investigation.
While the public awaits the trial, the court’s decision to allow the release of certain records related to Shelton’s past sexual abuse allegations has raised significant interest. However, the court has mandated that four documents involving minors remain confidential to protect their identities.
As the trial date approaches, the community is left reeling from the implications of the case. Parents and educators are urged to closely follow developments, as the investigation continues to unfold. With critical hearings scheduled and public interest high, all eyes will be on the Solano County courtroom in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this case progresses, and follow for more breaking news on similar urgent matters.
