Actor and filmmaker Shane Ryan Gledhill is facing serious charges after a five year investigation into alleged child sexual abuse.
The 46-year-old was arrested on August 3 in California.
The investigation started in 2021 after a 17 year old girl reported what authorities described as “suspicious and inappropriate conduct”.
Police say Gledhill allegedly used casting calls and film projects to contact young people.
The charges include rape, child molestation, forcible sexual assault, possession of child sexual abuse material and contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sex offence.
Authorities believe that the alleged abuse may have continued for around 25 years.
They, however, also say it may involve people from different parts of California and possibly the East Coast.
So far, investigators have identified nine alleged survivors who were minors at the time of the reported offences.
Police believe there could be more people who have not yet come forward.
Authorities added that Gledhill sometimes used the names “Shane Ryan” and “Shane Ryan Reid” while working in the film industry.
They searched His home in Lompoc during the investigation and they examined thousands of digital files.
Gledhill has worked with actors including Richard Dreyfuss and Shelley Duvall.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 9 in Santa Barbara.
2026-08-16 17:13:00
