by A former Gettysburg College hockey player accused of raping a fellow student in 2013 has hired a private attorney to review a potential plea deal in his long-delayed case.
Ian Cleary, now 32, allegedly assaulted freshman Shannon Keeler in her dorm room more than a decade ago. His recent court appearance follows his extradition from France earlier this year
What Happened
In 2013, Shannon Keeler, then a freshman at Gettysburg College, reported being raped in her dorm room after a fraternity party.
Ian Cleary, a fellow student and hockey team goalie at the time, allegedly followed Keeler to her residence and later entered her room uninvited, where the assault occurred.
Keeler reported the incident immediately and underwent a rape test. However, the investigation stalled for years.
Key Details
- The alleged assault occurred on the Gettysburg College campus in Pennsylvania in 2013.
- Cleary withdrew from the school, ending the college’s Title IX investigation.
- He later completed his education at Santa Clara University.
- In 2021, Keeler received disturbing Facebook messages from Cleary, including “So I raped you,” reigniting the case.
- Authorities issued a felony warrant for Cleary’s arrest following the messages.
- Cleary was located in France and extradited to the U.S. in January 2024.
- He now faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Reactions or Statements
Shannon Keeler has been advocating for justice since 2013.
She says the Facebook messages, which included what appeared to be a confession, finally prompted authorities to act.
“I’ll never do it to anyone ever again,” Cleary allegedly wrote in one message.
Gettysburg College ended its investigation after Cleary’s withdrawal, drawing criticism from advocates and Keeler.
Investigation or What’s Next
Cleary appeared in Adams County District Court, just blocks from the dorm where the alleged assault occurred.
He has hired a private lawyer, replacing his public defender, to evaluate a proposed plea deal.
His next court date is scheduled for July 17, 2025.
FAQs
Who is Ian Cleary?
A former Gettysburg College hockey player accused of raping a fellow student in 2013.
Who is the alleged victim?
Shannon Keeler, who was an 18-year-old freshman at the time of the alleged assault.
Why was there a delay in charges?
Authorities did not pursue charges until Keeler presented them with incriminating Facebook messages in 2021.
Where was Cleary found?
He was arrested in Metz, France in 2024 and extradited to the U.S.
What is the maximum sentence Cleary faces?
Up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Over a decade after the alleged rape of Shannon Keeler at Gettysburg College, Ian Cleary is now facing prosecution.
Thanks to new digital evidence and persistent advocacy, the case has been revived.
With a new lawyer and court proceedings underway, the eyes of Pennsylvania — and the nation — are watching what comes next.
