LOS ANGELES, CA – A Southern California man has been arrested on felony charges related to the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of at least nine underage victims, authorities said.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Shane Ryan Gledhill, 46, of Lompoc.
Authorities said Gledhill had been under investigation since 2021, after a teen victim came forward and reported suspicious and inappropriate conduct that allegedly occurred when she was 15 years old.
During the initial investigation, detectives identified two additional minor victims, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
In February 2022, investigators served a search warrant at Gledhill’s home in the 3000 block of Courtney Drive in Lompoc. Detectives said they seized thousands of digital files for examination.
Information reviewed by Street People indicates investigators eventually identified nine survivors, all of whom were minors at the time of the alleged offenses.
Authorities said Gledhill’s alleged conduct may have spanned roughly 25 years and involved victims across the Los Angeles area, the Central Coast and potentially the East Coast.
Investigators said Gledhill allegedly contacted many of his victims through online casting calls and filmmaking projects. Authorities said he used the professional names “Shane Ryan” and “Shane Ryan-Reid.”
Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, including young aspiring actors and filmmakers who may have had contact with Gledhill through his film-related activities.
The Sheriff’s Office said Gledhill maintained an online presence through several social media accounts and websites connected to filmmaking and casting activity.
On Aug. 3, 2026, Gledhill was arrested following the nearly five-year investigation. He faces 15 felony charges related to the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
The charges include offenses involving child molestation, rape, forcible sexual assault, contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense, possession of child sexual abuse material and providing harmful matter to a minor.
Gledhill was booked into the Northern Branch Jail, where he is being held on $500,000 bail.
Authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have had contact with Gledhill, or who has information about the case, to contact Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives at 805-681-4150.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 805-681-4171 or through the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office online tip portal.
“The Sheriff’s Office is aware that survivors of sexual assault and abuse are often reluctant to come forward for many different reasons,” authorities said. “We have many resources available regardless of your decision to participate in a criminal investigation.”
Survivors of sexual assault and abuse can contact the Victim-Witness Assistance Program at 805-568-2400 or toll-free at 855-840-3232.
Support services are also available through Standing Together to End Sexual Assault, including counseling, a confidential 24-hour hotline, legal advocacy and medical advocacy at 805-564-3696.
The investigation remains ongoing.
