Scottville couple sent to federal prison on child sex charges  

Walworth

Scottville couple sent to federal prison on child sex charges  

GRAND RAPIDS — Amy Lucille Shanty, of Scottville, was sentenced earlier this week to 30 years in prison for creating multiple videos of child pornography after drugging and raping a young girl. Co-defendant in the case, Michael James Walworth, 50, of Scottville, was also sentenced to 30 years in June.

The cases took place in front of U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering.

“The facts of this case are appalling,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office is fully committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens. As this case demonstrates, we will hold those who harm our kids accountable.”

For years, the young girl visited Walworth and Shanty, who were supposed to be caring for her. Walworth and Shanty drugged the young girl and gave her gifts to coax her into engaging in sex acts with them. Walworth also set up hidden cameras in his home, at 412 N. Main St., Scottville, which he used to capture the young girl while she was in the bathroom. When police executed a search warrant at the couple’s home, they also uncovered an extensive collection of child pornography on Walworth’s computer that he had downloaded over the Internet.

“This sentencing is a testament to HSI’s (Homeland Security Investigations) commitment along with our partners to identify, investigate and prosecute perpetrators who prey on innocent children in our communities,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “It is my hope that this justice brings some measure of peace to the courageous survivors of Shanty and Walworth’s horrific crimes.”

Walworth was arrested on July 18, 2022 and initially arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court on 10 felony counts, which included: Criminal sexual conduct first degree during a felony (two counts).

• Child abusive commercial activity (two counts).
• Using a computer to commit a crime (two counts).
• Capturing/disturbing image of unclothed person (two counts).
• Possession of child sexually abusive material (two counts).

Those charges were dismissed on Feb. 14, 2023 when federal charges were filed. Walworth pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to sexually exploit a child. In exchange for his plea, seven other charges were dismissed. He was also sentenced to serve 30 years in prison and pay $51,000 in restitution. Once released from prison, he will be under mandatory supervision fro 10 years. 

Shanty was not charged locally. She was initially charged with seven counts and pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation, attempted sexual exploitation and aiding and abetting the sexual exploitation of a child. 

The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following web site: www.projectsafechildhood.govLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Scottville Police Department, and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Davin M. Reust.