French Appeal Court prosecutors in Metz announced Thursday that Ian Cleary, an American man accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013, has been extradited to the United States. Cleary, 31, of Saratoga, California, was handed over to U.S. authorities at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. His arrest in Metz in April followed a three-year international search.
Why It Matters
Cleary’s extradition marks a significant development in the long-running case, as it now moves forward in the United States. The case highlights disturbing events involving sexual assault and chilling post-crime messages.
This undated wanted poster, provided by the U.S. Marshals, shows Ian Cleary, of Saratoga, Calif. U.S. On Thursday, a French Appeal Court prosecutors said that Cleary, the man accused of Pennsylvania college sex crime and…
This undated wanted poster, provided by the U.S. Marshals, shows Ian Cleary, of Saratoga, Calif. U.S. On Thursday, a French Appeal Court prosecutors said that Cleary, the man accused of Pennsylvania college sex crime and sending sick ‘so I raped you’ Facebook message will be extradited.
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U.S. Marshals/AP Photo
What to Know
Cleary is now being sent back to the U.S. after previously being caught on the run in Europe. He was detained in Metz, a city in northeastern France, on April 24 as part of a police check. Cleary told a magistrate that he had “arrived in France two or three years ago” from Albania.
Sexual Assault Allegations and Disturbing Messages
Cleary had been the subject of an international search since Pennsylvania authorities issued a 2021 felony warrant. His alleged victim, Shannon Keeler, reported the assault she said after discovering disturbing Facebook messages Cleary had sent her months later. These are alleged to have included the chilling statements: “So I raped you” and “I’ll never do it to anyone ever again.” He also allegedly wrote, “I need to hear your voice” and “I’ll pray for you,” according to reports.
Newsweek reached out to the French Justice Ministry via email on Thursday for comment.
Shannon Keeler’s Account of the Assault
Shannon describes the alleged assault, which occurred in Dec. 2013, when Cleary was an upperclassman at Gettysburg College. She claims Cleary stalked her at a fraternity party, sneaked into her dorm, and barged into her room while she pleaded with him and texted friends for help. It was the final night of her first semester of college.
Shannon Keeler poses for a portrait in the United States, April 7, 2021. On Thursday, a French Appeal Court prosecutors said Ian Cleary, an American man accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in…
Shannon Keeler poses for a portrait in the United States, April 7, 2021. On Thursday, a French Appeal Court prosecutors said Ian Cleary, an American man accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said, “So I raped you,” was being extradited to the United States.
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Chris Carlson/AP Photo
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 13 percent of all students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence or incapacitation, while only 20 percent of female student victims, age 18-24, report the assaults to law enforcement and only 32 percent of nonstudent females the same age do make a report.
In an emailed statement to Newsweek, RAINN cited institutional failures as one reason for Keeler’s struggle in getting charges filed while highlighting the need to eliminate arbitrary time limits on prosecuting sexual assault suspects.
What People Are Saying
Shannon Keeler: Upon hearing about the arrest warrant, said that she was grateful for the law enforcement response but added it only happened “because I went public with my story, which no survivor should have to do in order to obtain justice.”
Stefan Turkheimer, Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): “The institutions Shannon Keeler went to for help let her down for more than eight years, and we are so grateful for her courage in continuing to advocate on her own behalf.”
What Happens Next
With Cleary’s extradition now complete, the case will proceed in the United States, where he faces charges for the sexual assault. Legal proceedings are expected to continue, with further details emerging as the case unfolds.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press