Shane Ryan Gledhill Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges in Lompoc, California

Shane Ryan Gledhill, a 46‑year‑old filmmaker from Lompoc, California, was arrested by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office on 15 felony charges, including child molestation, rape, forcible sexual assault, contacting a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense, possession of child sexual abuse material and providing harmful matter to a minor. He is being held on a $500,000 bail.

The investigation began after a 17‑year‑old reported inappropriate conduct that occurred when she was 15. Detectives later identified nine additional minor victims, bringing the total to nine survivors. A search warrant executed at Gledhill’s home on Courtney Drive seized thousands of digital files, which were examined in a forensic investigation. Authorities say Gledhill used online casting calls and pseudonyms to lure the girls, exploiting his Hollywood résumé that includes work on more than 120 films and collaborations with well‑known actors.

The case remains under active investigation, and police continue to seek information about any further victims.