A woman from Ohio has entered a guilty plea in a deeply disturbing case involving the sexual abuse of children and an act of bestiality with a family dog.
Shocking Evidence Uncovered
In July, detectives from the Ohio Crimes Against Children Task Force began investigating reports of possible child molestation at the home of Shawna Mayfield, 28, and Justin Mayfield, 37. A subsequent search of the property revealed what prosecutors described as a "mountain of evidence".
Officers discovered child sex abuse materials that Mrs Mayfield had possessed, shared, produced, and recreated. Among the footage was video showing her sexually abusing a four-year-old child. Additional footage depicted both Mayfields forcing another child to engage in adult behaviour.
Messages exchanged between the couple showed them boasting about trading videos of child abuse. In a further sickening discovery, investigators found footage from May 2025 showing Mrs Mayfield performing a sex act on the family dog.
Guilty Plea and Cooperation Deal
On January 7, 2026, Shawna Mayfield changed her plea to guilty on multiple charges. The charges included:
- Five counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor
- Eight counts of rape
- One count of sexual conduct with an animal
- Endangering children
As part of her plea deal, Mayfield agreed to testify against her husband, Justin, in exchange for a jointly recommended prison sentence of 30 years to life. The deal stipulates that if she fails to cooperate, the agreement will be voided and she could face conviction on all original charges.
Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman confirmed that during the search, police also found an illegal marijuana grow operation at the premises that exceeded statutory limits.
Ongoing Case Against Husband
Justin Mayfield faces his own serious charges, including multiple counts of rape and endangering children. Prosecutors have offered him a plea deal of 50 years to life in prison, but his attorney, Brendan Keating, has countered this offer.
Keating argued that his client's proposed sentence should be more commensurate with what his wife is receiving, noting she faced more charges in the indictment. Mr Mayfield is scheduled to return to court on Monday, January 12, 2026, with his trial set to begin later in the month.
Shawna Mayfield, who has no prior criminal record according to the Tribune Chronicle, will be sentenced at a later date. The penalty for each rape count she pleaded guilty to is 10 years to life, while the bestiality charge is a second-degree misdemeanour carrying a maximum of 90 days in jail.
If you have been affected by sexual violence, support is available from Rape Crisis England & Wales on 0808 802 9999 or via www.rapecrisis.org.uk.
