A woman has admitted guilt in a disturbing child sexual abuse case after authorities found disturbing videos at her residence, including acts of bestiality.
In July, detectives were alerted by the Ohio Crimes Against Children Task Force about potential child abuse at the home of Shawna Mayfield, 28, and Justin Mayfield, 37. Upon investigation, officers uncovered child sexual abuse materials in possession of Shawna, which she had distributed, produced, and replicated.
The evidence against the couple is substantial, with videos showing Mrs. Mayfield sexually assaulting a four-year-old child and both Mayfields coercing another child into inappropriate behavior. Correspondence between the couple revealed their exchange of child abuse videos. Additionally, footage showed Mrs. Mayfield engaging in a sexual act with the family dog in May 2025, as per court documents.
According to WKBN, Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman disclosed that videos depicting the defendant engaging in sex acts with an animal, along with an excess marijuana grow operation on the property, were found during the search.
On January 7, Mrs. Mayfield, facing various charges including pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, rape, sexual conduct with an animal, and endangering children, changed her plea to guilty. As part of a plea deal, she agreed to cooperate with authorities and testify against her husband in return for a recommended 30-year to life prison sentence. Sentencing will take place at a later date.
Mrs. Mayfield, with no prior criminal record as reported by the Tribune Chronicle, provided a sworn statement regarding her testimony. Failure to cooperate may result in the plea deal being revoked, leading to conviction on all charges, including those slated for dismissal under the agreement.
Her rape convictions span from June 2023 to August 2025, with a penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment for each count. The charge of sexual conduct with an animal carries a potential sentence of up to 90 days in jail.
Mr. Mayfield faces multiple rape charges, disseminating harmful material to juveniles, and endangering children counts. Prosecutors have proposed a 50-year to life imprisonment deal, which is being contested by his legal representative.
Attorney Brendan Keating argued for a more equitable sentencing comparable to Mrs. Mayfield’s charges, emphasizing that she faces more accusations in the indictment. Mr. Mayfield is scheduled to appear in court on January 12, with his trial set to commence later in the month.
For victims of sexual assault seeking assistance, support and resources can be accessed through www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national telephone helpline at 0808 802 9999. If you have a story to share, please email julia.banim@reachplc.com.
