A woman has admitted guilt in a disturbing child sexual abuse case, following the discovery of disturbing videos at her residence, including instances of bestiality.
Authorities were tipped off back in July by the Ohio Crimes Against Children Task Force about potential child abuse at the home of Shawna Mayfield, 28, and Justin Mayfield, 37. Upon investigation, it was revealed that Shawna possessed and shared child sexual abuse materials.
The couple faces overwhelming evidence, with footage showing Shawna sexually assaulting a four-year-old child and both individuals coercing another child into inappropriate behavior. The pair exchanged messages bragging about trading child abuse videos, and Shawna was captured in a video engaging in a sexual act with the family dog, an incident dated back to May 2025.
Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman disclosed that videos were found of Shawna performing sexual acts with a dog, and during a search, a marijuana grow exceeding legal limits was also discovered on the premises.
Shawna Mayfield, of Warren, Ohio, changed her plea to guilty on January 7, facing charges including pandering sexually explicit material involving a minor, rape, sexual conduct with an animal, and child endangerment. As part of a plea agreement, she agreed to cooperate with authorities and testify against her husband in return for a recommended prison sentence of 30 years to life.
Shawna, with no prior criminal record as per the Tribune Chronicle, provided on-record testimony of what she will disclose. Failure to cooperate will nullify the plea deal, leading to potential conviction on all charges, including those to be dismissed.
The rape charges against Shawna span from June 2023 to August 2025, with a penalty of 10 years to life in prison for each count. The sexual conduct with an animal charge is a second-degree misdemeanor, carrying a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail.
Meanwhile, Justin Mayfield faces multiple rape charges, disseminating harmful material to minors, and endangering children. Prosecutors have offered him a 50-year to life prison term in exchange for a plea deal, which his attorney is considering.
Attorney Brendan Keating argued for a sentence in line with Shawna’s, stating that despite facing fewer charges, she received a longer sentence. Justin is scheduled to appear in court on January 12, with his trial set to commence later in the month.