Clinton County man arrested in cold case sexual abuse investigation

ALBANY, Ky. – One man is charged in a cold case sexual abuse investigation in Clinton County.

According to the Kentucky State Police, the investigation began in 1999 when a KSP trooper received a report that James Shelton, currently 61 years old of Albany, was sexually abusing his juvenile daughter.

Authorities say due to a lack of evidence, the investigation turned cold.

However, on June 17, 2025, authorities say a trooper obtained new information about the case, leading to the renewal of the investigation.

As a result of this investigation, authorities say the trooper obtained information that resulted in the arrest of Shelton.

Shelton is now charged with 34 counts of first-degree sexual abuse – victim under 12 and 20 counts of first-degree sodomy – victim under 12.

Additional charges are possible.

Shelton was lodged in the Clinton County Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing.