French Court Rules American Man Accused of Sexual Assault Can Be Extradited to U.S.

The case of Ian Cleary, a man accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013, has taken a new turn as a French court ruled on Monday that he can be extradited to the United States. Cleary, 31, of Saratoga, California, was detained in France in April after a three-year search and has been held in custody pending extradition proceedings.

The Court of Appeal in Metz made the decision for Cleary’s extradition, despite his refusal to be extradited. This ruling is final, and now the French Justice Ministry must prepare and submit the extradition order for the French prime minister’s signature. In the meantime, Cleary remains detained in France.

The case against Cleary stems from an incident in 2013 where he allegedly sexually assaulted an 18-year-old college student at Gettysburg College. The victim, Shannon Keeler, had undergone a rape exam on the same day as the assault and had been urging officials to file charges for years. The case gained attention after Keeler discovered Facebook messages from Cleary’s account that said, “So I raped you,” among other disturbing messages.

Despite the challenges in prosecuting campus sex crimes, Keeler’s persistence led to a felony warrant being issued in 2021, prompting Cleary’s arrest in France. Cleary, who had left Gettysburg College and pursued education and work in California and France, now faces extradition to the United States to face charges.

The case highlights the difficulties survivors of sexual assault face in seeking justice and the importance of speaking out to hold perpetrators accountable. Keeler’s bravery in coming forward with her story has led to this significant development in the pursuit of justice for victims of sexual assault.