Shane Thompson, 24, of Cunningham Drive was charged with the crimes after KSP Detective Michelle Kent received a complaint on July 30 that Thompson had sexually abused 5 juvenile females.
Rape in the first degree, a class B felony, is charged to the suspect when “he engages in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion,” according to the Kentucky Revised Statutes. It also includes sexual intercourse with an individual incapable of consent because of age–under 12 years–or physical inability–helplessness.
Third degree rape is charged to the suspect if the individual “engages in sexual intercourse with another person less than 16 years old.”
Kent said Thompson was involved in Amtgard, an organization that practices sword-fighting with foam swords. It is a “non-profit, non-secretarian group devoted to recreating elements of the medieval, ancient, and fantasy genres,” according to the group’s website. She said this is where Thompson met the five juveniles he was allegedly involved with.
“The complaint originally came from uninvolved parties because they were concerned about the girls,” Kent said.
She also said that the relationships that Thompson had with the five juveniles lasted a period of 6 to 7 months with some of the relationships occurring in late 2003.
One of the charges that Thompson is facing is promoting sexual performance by a minor. The report filed by Kent states that Thompson forced a 15 year-old boy to have sexual intercourse with a 14 year-old girl. According to the report, Thompson “induced” the two minors in to having intercourse. This incident allegedly occurred on or around February 15, 2004.
Thompson was charged with sodomy in the first degree for “engaging in deviate sexual behavior” with a 16 year-old female on or around December 1, 2003.
Kent said all of the involved juveniles reside in Trigg County. She said that Thompson was a higher-ranking member of the Amtgard club that has some of their meetings on Sundays at the West Cadiz Park. Kent said he was either a sheriff or a champion.
All of the juveniles that were involved were between the ages of 14 and 16. The incidents occurred between December 2003 and May 2004.
Thompson was scheduled to appear in court on August 10. Due to press time, the results of the court case were not available.
