GETTYSBURG, PA – Ian Thomas Cleary from California was recently arrested in Metz, France, concerning a rape case dating back to 2013.
More than a decade ago, Cleary allegedly raped Shannon Keeler, a then-18-year-old student at Gettysburg College. The incident was immediately reported, but charges were only filed against Cleary in 2021.
Cleary was apprehended on April 24 and is currently detained in France awaiting extradition. His arrest came after years of eluding authorities following a warrant issued in the summer of 2021.
The breakthrough in the case occurred when Keeler received a disturbing message from Cleary on Facebook in 2021, in which he stated: “So I raped you.”
He also sent messages expressing regret and pledged never to repeat his actions.
On the night of the alleged assault, Cleary reportedly followed Keeler from a college party to her dorm, forcibly entered her room, and raped her despite her pleas and attempts to summon help via text messages.
After the incident, Cleary left the college, completed his education, and relocated to France.