Waco, TX — A former Baylor University student has pleaded guilty to reduced charges in connection with a reported sexual assault involving another student in December 2021. James K. Shadle, 22, of Cypress, pleaded guilty Monday in Waco’s 19th State District Court to two counts of attempted sexual assault, third-degree felonies that carry a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
The charges were reduced from two counts of sexual assault, second-degree felonies, which carry a potential prison term of up to 20 years. Shadle, a former vocal performance and music education major at Baylor, had been accused of sexually assaulting a fellow student in his dormitory room. The victim, also a Baylor student, reported that she and Shadle, both members of the university’s choir, were in a friend’s room on December 4, 2021. She said Shadle invited her to his room to “hang out.”
Once inside, Shadle allegedly attempted to remove her clothes and forcibly performed sexual acts against her will, despite her repeated objections. According to an arrest affidavit, the victim reported that Shadle physically coerced her into performing oral sex, pushing her head toward his crotch while restraining her. The victim told authorities that once Shadle removed his hand from her head, she attempted to escape but was held down by him. She claimed that Shadle sexually assaulted her again, despite her continued protests. In the affidavit, it was noted that Shadle made several admissions to others, confessing that he had sexually assaulted the victim. Following the incident, Shadle was arrested and expelled from Baylor University.
The McLennan County District Attorney’s Office ultimately agreed to reduce the charges to attempted sexual assault as part of a plea deal. Prosecutors have recommended that Judge Thomas West place Shadle on deferred probation. Under this arrangement, if Shadle successfully completes the terms of his probation, there would be no formal finding of guilt, and he would avoid a felony conviction on his record. However, he would still be required to register as a sex offender for a period of 10 years, a reduction from the lifetime registration requirement that would have applied had he been convicted of sexual assault. The case is still ongoing, with a sentencing hearing set for February 28, 2024. Judge West is expected to consider Shadle’s background before determining his final punishment. Assistant District Attorney Will Hix declined to comment on the case until after the sentencing hearing.
Shadle’s expulsion from Baylor University followed the arrest, and he has since been removed from the school’s records. Despite the plea agreement, the case has raised questions about the adequacy of the legal process in cases of sexual assault, particularly in regard to the reduction of charges and the potential leniency of deferred probation for individuals found guilty of such offenses.
The victim in the case has not publicly commented on the plea deal, and her identity remains confidential in accordance with privacy protections for survivors of sexual assault.
