A woman has entered a guilty plea in a disturbing case of child sexual abuse, following the discovery of disturbing videos at her residence, some of which depicted acts of bestiality.
In July, authorities were informed by the Ohio Crimes Against Children Task Force about potential child molestation at Shawna Mayfield, 28, and Justin Mayfield, 37’s home. Upon searching the property, officers found that Mayfield possessed materials related to child sexual abuse, which she had distributed, produced, and replicated.
The evidence against the couple is substantial, with footage showing Mrs. Mayfield engaging in sexual abuse of a four-year-old child and both Mayfields coercing another child into inappropriate actions. Correspondence between the Mayfields revealed them bragging about exchanging child abuse videos, while additional footage displayed Mrs. Mayfield committing a sexual act with the family dog, reportedly occurring in May 2025, as per an indictment obtained by WFMJ.
According to WKBN, Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman stated that videos of the defendant engaging in sexual acts with an animal, particularly a dog, were found by the state during the search. Additionally, the authorities discovered an excessive marijuana cultivation on the premises during the search.
On January 7, Mrs. Mayfield, facing charges including pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, rape, sexual conduct with an animal, and endangering children, changed her plea to guilty. As part of the plea agreement, Mrs. Mayfield, a resident of Warren, Ohio, agreed to cooperate with law enforcement and testify against her spouse in exchange for a recommended prison term of 30 years to life. Sentencing will occur at a later date.
Mrs. Mayfield, with no prior criminal history as per the Tribune Chronicle, provided a “proffer on the record” detailing her testimony. Failure to cooperate will result in the plea agreement being voided, potentially leading to conviction on all charges, including those set to be dropped under the deal.
The rape convictions against Mrs. Mayfield indicate her involvement in criminal activities from June 2023 to August 2025. Each count of rape she admitted to carries a penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment, while the sexual conduct with an animal is considered a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail.
Justin Mayfield faces multiple rape charges, disseminating harmful material to minors, and endangering children. Prosecutors have proposed a 50-year to life imprisonment term in exchange for a plea deal, but his attorney has contested this offer.
Attorney Brendan Keating argued that the proposed sentence should align more closely with what Mrs. Mayfield is receiving, despite her facing more charges. The defense requests a lesser term than 50 years to life.
Justin Mayfield is expected back in court on January 12, with his trial scheduled to commence later in the month.