By A French court in Metz has ruled that Ian Cleary, a 31-year-old American accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013, can be extradited to the United States. Cleary, who had been the subject of an international search, was arrested in April in Metz after evading authorities for three years.
The case gained notoriety when Cleary allegedly sent a Facebook message to his accuser, Shannon Keeler, in 2021 stating, “So I raped you.” This message, along with persistent efforts by Keeler, led to the issuance of a felony warrant in Pennsylvania.
Cleary, originally from Saratoga, California, was a 20-year-old Gettysburg College student at the time of the alleged assault. The warrant accuses him of stalking Keeler at a party, sneaking into her dorm, and sexually assaulting her while she texted friends for help.
Despite the court’s ruling, Cleary has refused extradition, which may delay but not prevent the process. His case now moves to the French Justice Ministry, which must prepare and submit the extradition order for the French prime minister’s signature. Cleary remains in custody in France during this process.
This case highlights several critical issues:
1. The challenges of prosecuting campus sexual assaults: Keeler’s years-long struggle to have charges filed underscores the difficulties victims face in seeking justice.
2. The role of social media in criminal cases: The Facebook messages allegedly sent by Cleary played a crucial role in reviving the case.
3. International law enforcement cooperation: Cleary’s arrest in France after a three-year search demonstrates the complexities of pursuing fugitives across borders.
4. The impact of media attention on cold cases: The Associated Press’s 2021 story on the reluctance to pursue campus sex crimes preceded the issuance of the arrest warrant.
Shannon Keeler, who has chosen to be publicly identified, stayed at Gettysburg to graduate and helped lead the women’s lacrosse team to a national title. Her persistence in seeking justice highlights the long-term impact of sexual assault on survivors and their determination to hold perpetrators accountable.
As the case moves forward, it continues to draw attention to the broader issues of sexual assault on college campuses and the challenges of prosecuting these crimes. The eventual outcome may have significant implications for how similar cases are handled in the future, both in the United States and internationally.
