Mark Shields, 34, of Newton pled guilty to kidnapping, aggravated battery, and aggravated indecent solicitation of a child (person under 14 years of age) on Jan. 22. Judge Jason Lane sentenced Shields to a maximum sentence of 108 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections on March 31.
Shields originally faced a charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, as well as an aggravated battery charge, according to court documents. The aggravated indecent liberties charge carried with it a minimum penalty of 25 years of incarceration, up to life in prison. At his arraignment on Nov. 8, 2024, Shields pled not guilty to the charges, according to court documents.
According to court documents, on Jan. 22, the state amended the indecent liberties charge to kidnapping and added on a charge of indecent solicitation of a child charge, to which Shields then pled guilty. Shields will be subject to post-release supervision and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. (c) Harvey County Now Staff
