KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasConvicted Child Predator Makes Plea Deal

Convicted Child Predator Makes Plea Deal

(May 3) -- A local church worker pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl Monday. 59-year-old Harold Shaw made a plea deal, which means he could be sentenced to two life terms.

When Shaw was arrested at his home 3 months ago, some of his neighbors were shocked -- saying Shaw was a well-respected member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Now many in this neighborhood say they are glad this admitted child predator will more than likely never again walk the streets of Las Vegas.

"I'm definitely disappointed in him as an individual." Doran Atwood not only knew Harold Shaw to be a friendly neighbor, but also an active fellow member at the church near his home. Now Atwood suspects Shaw was living a sick double life.

"Mentally there's got to be something wrong if somebody does something like that, Atwood said.

As part of a plea deal, Shaw admitted to sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. In February, federal agents and Metro police raided his home near Vegas and Jones where they found video tape proof of Shaw sexually assaulting the girl -- who was a relative.

Back in 1996, Shaw was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting another young girl. But in a plea deal Shaw pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was allowed back out on the streets.

Doug Herndon is the Chief Deputy of the Clark County District Attorney's Special Victim's Unit. He says under this most recent plea deal, he made sure Shaw -- who is 59 years old -- would never again be able to hurt another child.

Doug Herndon: "That was one of our goals in negotiating this case -- that he spends enough time in prison, that he passes away in prison. I'm hopeful that he doesn't make his first parole, let alone his second or third. I don't suspect Harold Shaw is going to get out and have the chance to molest kids again."

This makes parents in Shaw's neighborhood feel much safer.

Under the plea deal Shaw must serve 27 years behind bars before he will be eligible for parole.