United States of America v. Shawn Matthew Wilcher

Tacoma, Washington criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with abusive sexual contact with a child under 12, and sexual abuse of a child.



Shawn Matthew Wilcher is the spouse of an active-duty enlisted Army soldier. Between October 2015 and January 2018, Wilcher resided with his spouse on Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. Between October 1, 2018, and May 21, 2019, Wilcher and his spouse resided on Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). Wilcher is a veteran himself and served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. In his plea agreement, Wilcher admits that he sexually molested a young child left in his care during his residence at both military bases. The abuse came to light in May 2019, when the victim disclosed the abuse to a friend who reported it to a school counselor. Army Criminal Investigative Division (CID) and the FBI immediately investigated the case. Wilcher has been in custody since his arrest on May 25, 2019.



"This type of horrific abuse of a young child cannot be explained or justified, despite whatever demons Mr. Wilcher battles from his military service. His crimes have created ripples of destruction many times over,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. "He will get treatment for the PTSD he blames for his conduct, but studies indicate this young victim will suffer long-lasting trauma throughout her life – trauma that is difficult, if not impossible, to remedy.”





Charges in the District of Hawaii and the Western District of Washington were both resolved by Wilcher's guilty plea on August 23, 2021. Wilcher will be on lifetime supervision following his prison term and will be required to register as a sex offender.



The case was investigated by the FBI and Army CID.



The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Grady Leupold and Matt Hampton for the Western District of Washington, and Morgan Early for the District of Hawaii.



Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child Under Age 12

(1)

07/11/2022 17 MOTION to Seal Document Government's Sentencing Memorandum by USA as to Shawn Matthew Wilcher (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) Noting Date 7/22/2022, (Leupold, Grady) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

07/11/2022 18 SEALED DOCUMENT by USA as to Shawn Matthew Wilcher, re 17 MOTION to Seal Document Government's Sentencing Memorandum. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits 1, 3 through 7)(Leupold, Grady) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

07/11/2022 19 NOTICE of Filing Exhibit 2 in Paper or Physical form with the Clerk's Office in re 18 Sealed Document. (Leupold, Grady) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

07/11/2022 RECEIPT of thumb drive in Clerk's Office, re 19 Notice of Filing Paper or Physical Materials. (AMD) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

07/11/2022 20 NOTICE of Filing in Paper or Physical form with the Clerk's Office Exhibit B to Defendant's Sentencing Memorandum (Carpenter, John) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

07/11/2022 21 MOTION to Seal Document Exhibits C, D, and E to Defendant's Sentencing Memorandum by Shawn Matthew Wilcher. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) Noting Date 7/22/2022, (Carpenter, John) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

07/11/2022 22 SENTENCING MEMORANDUM by Shawn Matthew Wilcher (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit F)(Carpenter, John) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

07/11/2022 23 SEALED DOCUMENT by Shawn Matthew Wilcher, re 21 MOTION to Seal Document Exhibits C, D, and E to Defendant's Sentencing Memorandum, 22 Sentencing Memorandum. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit)(Carpenter, John) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

07/12/2022 RECEIPT of DVD received in Clerk's Office, re 20 Notice of Filing Paper or Physical Materials. (AMD) (Entered: 07/12/2022)

07/14/2022 24 MINUTE ORDER as to Shawn Matthew Wilcher. In its Sentencing Memorandum 18 , the Government proposes an enhancement under USSG 4B1.5(b)(1) with little explanation. The Government shall file supplemental briefing explaining the application of USSG 4B1.5(b)(1) in this case by Friday, July 15 at 12:00PM. Wilcher shall file a response by end of business on Friday, July 15. Authorized by Judge Benjamin H. Settle. (cc: USPO) (MET) (Entered: 07/14/2022)

07/14/2022 25 SENTENCING MEMORANDUM by USA as to Shawn Matthew Wilcher (Leupold, Grady) (Entered: 07/14/2022)

07/15/2022 26 RESPONSE - Defendant's Response by Shawn Matthew Wilcher re 25 Sentencing Memorandum filed by USA (Carpenter, John) (Entered: 07/15/2022)

07/18/2022 27 ORDER granting 17 Motion to Seal Document as to Shawn Matthew Wilcher (1) Signed by Judge Benjamin H. Settle. (MET) (Entered: 07/18/2022)

07/18/2022 28 ORDER granting 21 Motion to Seal Document as to Shawn Matthew Wilcher (1). Signed by Judge Benjamin H. Settle. (MET) (Entered: 07/18/2022)