McDowell County Man Indicted for Stalking
Formerly Convicted of Murdering Victim’s Mother and Associate

CHARLESTON, WV—A Federal grand jury sitting in Charleston, West Virginia returned a onecount indictment today charging a McDowell County man with stalking. The indictment alleges that Thomas Creighton Shrader, 55, sent via UPS Ground a thirty-two page letter from West Virginia to the victim’s home in Texas. The intent of the letter was to harass and cause substantial emotional distress to the victim and her family and to place them in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury.

Shrader was previously convicted of two counts of first degree murder in McDowell County for killing the victim’s mother and friend which he mistakenly believed was dating the victim. Shrader and the victim dated from 1972 to approximately 1974 when the victim ended the relationship. Following his murder convictions, Shrader continued to harass the victim through frequent phone calls and the letter.

If convicted, Shrader faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas C. Ryan is handling the prosecution.

*PLEASE NOTE: An indictment is merely a formal accusation, it is not proof of guilt; and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless he is found guilty.

STATEWIDE EVENT TO ADDRESS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

United States Attorney Charles T. Miller stated: “This case is indicative of our commitment to prosecuting violence against women cases. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The first case prosecuted under this act was handled by my office -- United States v. Bailey. We remain committed today as we were 15 years ago to prosecuting these cases and advocating for the safety of victims.”

Tomorrow, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia will cosponsor a Statewide Conference Call to discuss teen dating violence in West Virginia. The event, It's Time to Talk Day, is co-sponsored by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia, West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, West Virginia Division of Criminal Justice Services, West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services, and the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse program. It’s Time to Talk Day is dedicated to ensuring that Americans speak-up about domestic, sexual and teen dating violence and its goal is to spark national conversation about violence against women and teen dating abuse. In recognition of It’s Time to Talk Day, tomorrow in Washington D.C., Attorney General Eric Holder and Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan will meet with teen leaders, their parents and others to discuss teen dating violence.

Those interested in discussing what’s happening in West Virginia to prevent teen dating abuse should dial 1-866-331-2474 and enter code 4710127#. The conference call will take place from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.