November 16, 2012 | Celeb Watch

The man who tried to bring down Elmo

The man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of having an inappropriate relationship has been exposed.

He claimed he was 17 when he and Clash, then 46, had a sexual relationship. Under NY law, this is considered statutory rape.

Clash denied the allegations, and, a day later, the alleged victim recanted the story.

The Smoking Gun website has now exposed Clash's accuser, not only naming him for the first time, but sharing his long list of arrests. 

Sheldon Stephens (pictured), is a college student and aspiring model. He's also been arrested several times, for everything from check fraud to robbing a man at knife-point. None of the charges, though, have ever resulted in a conviction.

He has chosen not to comment on the recent dust-up with Clash.

On his Facebook page, Stephens wrote: “I like to consider myself a rare breed. I'm very spontaneous and random…I'm determined and goal oriented. My destiny is laid on a solid gold brick pathway....... MY FUTURE IS BRIGHT and never will it dim.” He may want to change that.

Meet The Man Who Targeted Elmo Puppeteer [The Smoking Gun]