Man who worked with kids sentenced for child molestation

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Convicted child molester Michael McShurley was sentenced to 10 years in prison and two years probation when he went to court Friday. He must also register as a sex offender.

McShurley was found guilty of three counts of child molesting last month.

He appeared on News 18 in 2010 asking for help sending Lafayette Jeff seniors with special needs to prom, as well as being a member of the volunteer group “Broncho Dads.”

The investigation began after a 12-year-old girl came forward in 2011 saying McShurley had fondled her on multiple occasions over the previous 2 years.

Many people submitted letters to the judge in support of McShurley and against him.

One letter supporting McShurley was from State Representative Sheila Klinker. The judge would not allow us to view the letter and Klinker declined an on-camera interview. However, Klinker says she does not support McShurley's actions.

She says she wrote the letter on behalf of McShurley's parents, who are caring for his autistic son and cannot care for him any longer.

In the letter, Klinker says she asked for the possibility of house arrest so McShurley would be able to care for his son himself. She says she only knew McShurley from church and his work in the community.

McShurley faced up to 24 years in prison.