# Criminal charges against filmmaker Shane Ryan Gledhill

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-charges-against-filmmaker-shane-ryan-gledhill
> Updated: 2026-08-14T23:26:44.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

Shane Ryan Gledhill, a 46-year-old filmmaker and actor from Lompoc, California, was arrested and charged following a long-term investigation by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. 

Initial reports indicated Gledhill faced 15 felony charges, including child molestation, rape, and possession of child sexual abuse material. The investigation was prompted by a report from a 17-year-old regarding conduct that occurred when she was 15. Subsequent detective work identified nine minor survivors. Authorities noted that Gledhill allegedly used his Hollywood professional background and online casting calls through his production company, Madsincinema, to lure victims using pseudonyms such as ‘Shane Ryan’ and ‘Shane Ryan-Reid’. 

By mid-August, the number of felony counts increased to 24, including charges of sodomy and oral copulation of a minor. While Gledhill pleaded not guilty to all charges, investigators noted that digital files seized from his residence in 2022 have aided the probe. Based on previous filming locations, authorities believe there may be additional survivors in Los Angeles County and potentially on the East Coast. 

The investigation, which began in November 2021, has resulted in Gledhill facing 24 felony counts, including rape by force and possession of child pornography. Gledhill remains held on $500,000 bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 9 at the Lompoc Courthouse.

## Claims

- Sinema admitted to a sexual relationship with her bodyguard Matthew Ammel that began in May 2024. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Heather Ammel filed a lawsuit against Sinema under North Carolina’s alienation of affection statute. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Heather Ammel is suing Sinema for damages under North Carolina's alienation of affection statute. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Heather Ammel is seeking at least $75,000 in damages. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The affair included encounters in Napa, New York City, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, and Aspen. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Sinema's attorneys are seeking to dismiss the lawsuit on the grounds that the relationship did not occur in North Carolina. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Sinema's attorneys are seeking to dismiss the lawsuit on jurisdictional grounds, arguing the affair did not occur in North Carolina. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Sinema testified that Matthew Ammel expressed intentions to divorce his wife before their relationship began. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: Kyrsten Sinema admits to affair with bodyguard in court deposition

Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema admitted to an affair with her bodyguard in a deposition, facing a North Carolina lawsuit from his ex-wife seeking damages for alienation of affection.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/filmmaker-shane-ryan-gledhill-charged-with-24-counts-of-child-sexual-abuse

### 2026-08-04: Shane Ryan Gledhill Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges in Lompoc, California

Filmmaker Shane Ryan Gledhill of Lompoc was arrested on 15 felony child‑exploitation charges after investigators identified nine minor victims and seized thousands of digital files.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shane-ryan-gledhill-arrested-on-child-exploitation-charges-in-lompoc-california

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Cite as: Criminal charges against filmmaker Shane Ryan Gledhill. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-charges-against-filmmaker-shane-ryan-gledhill