Federal U.S. Marshals are asking for the public’s help tracking down 46-year-old Michael Shane Vaughan, who is wanted in Nashville on two counts of rape, authorities said. Vaughan is described as about 5 feet 10 inches tall and roughly 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Officials say he was last seen in Nashville in February 2025 and is originally from Greer, South Carolina.
According to WKRN News 2, the U.S. Marshals Service’s Middle Tennessee Task Force says Vaughan is a registered sex offender and should be considered an escape risk and an international flight risk. A wanted poster lists Metro Nashville Police Department warrants charging him with two counts of rape, along with his physical description and background. Authorities told WKRN that Vaughan told family members he intended to flee to Alaska, and the Marshals have asked anyone with information to report it to federal investigators.
How the marshals are searching
The marshals task force is working with Metro Nashville detectives, combining public tips, local partnerships and targeted surveillance as they search for Vaughan across jurisdictions. The U.S. Marshals Service directs anyone with information to its 24-hour tip line at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or to email [email protected], per the U.S. Marshals Service.
What the charges mean
Metro Nashville Police have filed two counts of rape against Vaughan, which are allegations that must be proved in court. If he is located, the Marshals will detain him and coordinate his transfer to local custody for prosecution, with the Metro Nashville Police Department responsible for case filings and investigative updates.
Anyone with tips about Vaughan’s whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 or via [email protected], or to share information with Metro Nashville Police. Authorities are asking the public not to approach anyone who matches his description and instead to report possible sightings to law enforcement so trained officers can respond.
