by JENN WOOD
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A former Lexington, South Carolina pastor – and husband of a former Midlands school board leader – was indicted Wednesday on nine federal charges involving the alleged production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material (or “CSAM”).
Richard Channing “Chan” Shealy, 54, of Lexington, was accused of producing images involving the same child on four occasions in 2004 and 2006, according to an indictment (.pdf) filed on October 21, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Columbia.
According to federal prosecutors, investigators discovered these images after an undercover Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent received CSAM through a peer-to-peer file-sharing network earlier this year. A subsequent search of Shealy’s home uncovered additional material on his computer, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
The federal indictment followed state charges announced against Shealy in March and May of this year, including allegations of sexual assault involving a minor.
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ALLEGATIONS SPANNING TWO DECADES
The federal indictment traced the alleged abuse back more than two decades, accusing Shealy of exploiting the same child to produce images on four separate occasions in 2004 and 2006. The child was identified only as “MV-1,” and the filing did not explain how Shealy knew or gained access to the alleged victim.
Four other charges focused on files Shealy allegedly shared through the eDonkey network in February 2026. Prosecutors alleged he distributed the material through an account connected to internet service at his Lexington, S.C. home, with the transfers occurring on February 19, 20 and 23.
The final count accused Shealy of possessing child sexual abuse material through approximately March 27, 2026. Prosecutors also sought forfeiture of a mini computer, an external solid-state drive and a custom computer tower allegedly connected to the offenses.
As FITSNews exclusively reported in March, Shealy was arrested on March 26, 2026, on thirteen state charges involving child sexual abuse material. Those charges included three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and ten counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
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At the time of his arrest, Shealy’s wife – Beth Shealy – served as vice chair of the Lexington County school district one board.
Shealy’s work as a Christian musician and worship leader frequently brought him into contact with young people. In fall 2025, he spoke at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) gathering at Gilbert High School, a school within the district.
Beth Shealy resigned from the board shortly after her husband’s arrest.
On May 1, 2026, S.C. attorney general Alan Wilson announced twenty additional charges against Shealy: two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, four counts of committing a lewd act upon a child, ten counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and four counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
Wilson’s office said those allegations followed the discovery of additional images and information on devices searched during the investigation.
Shealy turned himself in on the new charges that morning, according to the attorney general’s office. Lexington magistrate Gary Reinhart denied bond at the May 1, 2026 hearing. As of this publication, Shealy remains incarcerated at the Lexington County detention center.
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RELATED | Worship Leader Facing 20 New Child Porn Charges
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FEDERAL ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED
At the request of federal prosecutors, U.S. magistrate judge Kevin McDonald ordered (.pdf) a warrant issued for Shealy on Wednesday. Federal bond will be addressed at his initial appearance.
Shealy’s arraignment is scheduled for November 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EST before U.S. magistrate judge Thomas E. Rogers III at the Matthew J. Perry Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Columbia.
If convicted, Shealy faces up to 30 years in federal prison on each of the four production charges and up to 20 years on each distribution and possession charge, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. Each count also carries a potential $250,000 fine.
Along with HSI, the S.C. Attorney General’s Office (SCAG) and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorney Scott Matthews through the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood initiative.
As with anyone accused of committing a crime, Shealy is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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THE INDICTMENT…
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
As a private investigator turned journalist, Jenn Wood brings a unique skill set to FITSNews as its research director. Known for her meticulous sourcing and victim-centered approach, she helps shape the newsroom’s most complex investigative stories while producing the FITSFiles and Cheer Incorporated podcasts. Jenn lives in South Carolina with her family, where her work continues to spotlight truth, accountability, and justice.
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