US extradites suspect in 2013 college rape case “`

Ian Cleary, wanted by U.S. Marshals for allegedly sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013, has been extradited to the United States. He was transferred to American authorities at Charles de Gaulle Airport in France on Thursday, according to French prosecutors.

Cleary, 31, a California resident, was apprehended in Metz, France in April after a three-year manhunt. Following his arrest, he remained in custody pending extradition proceedings. The Metz Appeal Court approved his extradition in July.

An arrest warrant details Cleary’s alleged stalking of an 18-year-old Gettysburg College student at a 2013 party, followed by his unauthorized entry into her dorm and subsequent sexual assault. At the time, Cleary was a 20-year-old Gettysburg student who subsequently left the college.

 

The victim, Shannon Keeler, underwent a rape examination the same day. She gathered evidence and pursued legal action, reigniting her case in 2021 upon discovering Facebook messages apparently from Cleary.

These messages included the statement, “So I raped you,” along with other messages expressing remorse and a desire to contact Keeler.

Police confirmed that the Facebook account used to send the messages belonged to Cleary. The messages were allegedly sent in 2020 while Keeler and her boyfriend were away.

 

In 2023, Andrea Levy, Keeler’s attorney and legal director for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, highlighted the contrast between her client’s prolonged struggle and Cleary’s ability to continue his life. Levy emphasized the significant human cost for Keeler and her family.

After leaving Gettysburg College, Cleary graduated from Santa Clara University, worked for Tesla, and later moved to France, where he pursued his passion for writing medieval fiction, as detailed on his blog.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

’ Audrey Conklin and

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