Lewd photo gets Shaffer 15 months

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October 25, 2007

By BOB GIBBINS

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Despite his attorney's request for a probationary sentence, a former Tahlequah minister will serve 15 months in a federal prison after a sentencing hearing Wednesday afternoon.

Charles Barry Shaffer, 45, appeared before U.S. District Judge Robin Cauthron for sentencing on charges that he sent a photo of his genitalia over the Internet. Cauthron also ordered an additional two years of supervised release for Shaffer, who has been free on bond.

Shaffer admitted earlier this year that he sent the picture to a person who claimed to be a 13-year-old girl.

Ccourt-appointed attorney William Earley asked the judge to consider putting Shaffer on probation arguing in a 18-page document that the "public humiliation" his client has received through media coverage of the case was more severe than actually sending Shaffer to prison.

Shaffer was an NSU employee and a minister in the campus Redmen For Christ program when he was arrested in February during a federal sting operation in Walters.

Shaffer told investigators he had rented a motel room in Lawton and intended to take the girl there for a night of sex. Motel employees reported finding condoms, baby oil and a digital camera in Shaffer's room.

A document filed in the case states Shaffer believed several times that something was amiss. He said he started to leave Walters and return to Tahlequah, but continued to proceed with the rendezvous.

Shaffer resigned his post as leader of the campus ministry after his arrest. The organization is sponsored by the South College Church of Christ. He is no longer employed by NSU.

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