A Danville child sex predator and former teacher’s aide is facing up to life in federal prison after luring and engaging in sex with multiple juveniles, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Ellen Phillips (formerly known as Ellen Shell), 38, “conducted sexual relationships with numerous teenage boys in Boyle and Garrard” counties, prosecutors said. She pled guilty in federal court to attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual conduct.
Phillips, at the time of her crimes, was a teacher’s aide at Woodlawn Elementary School in Boyle County.
“Phillips would communicate with the victims via Snapchat, Facebook, or text messaging and, in many instances, would meet the victims for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity,” according to prosecutors.
Phillips, her plea deal states, engaged in sexual activity with multiple minors at the same time.
In her plea agreement, Phillips specifically admitted that on December 20, 2022, she attempted to entice a 15-year-old to engage in sexual activity. During the conversation, Phillips messaged the victim using Facebook and repeatedly attempted to have the victim sneak out of his house for sexual activity. When the victim said he could not leave, Phillips offered alcohol and oral sex to the minor as well as excuses the victim could tell his mother as to why he needed to leave his home.
Phillips is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26. She faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
