Wesley Lee Melton Jr

The state’s witnesses took the stand this morning to testify in a case against Wesley Lee Melton Jr., 23, Milford, regarding the alleged child molestation of a 13-year-old relative. The two-day jury trial, held in Superior Court I, is presided over by Judge David Cates.

The prosecutor, Christanne Hampton, first called the victim to the stand, asking the girl questions regarding the timeline Melton resided with her family in Milford, as well as questions regarding their relationship. The victim struggled to answer the questions of both Hampton and the defendant’s attorney Jay Rigdon regarding the details surrounding the correspondence with Melton. Many questions were answered with an “I don’t know,” or “I don’t remember.”

The victim did recall however that sometime in March of 2013, Melton came into her bedroom and placed his hands on her thigh while she watched television. The victim explained that it was late in the evening and both her mother and brother were asleep in the home. She alleged Melton laid her down on her bed and continued touching her in a sexual way, stating he touched both her genitals and chest. She claimed he then proceeded to have intercourse with her, stating they were both silent throughout the interaction.

Following the state’s examination of the witness, Rigdon began his cross examination, noting inconsistencies in the time frame noted by the victim as well as in her references to use of her cellphone. Many times the witness became confused, at one point crying.

The victim stated she and Melton began texting after receiving a cellphone from her father, noting the two talked frequently through the device, but not often in person. The victim noted her phone privileges had been revoked by her father and girlfriend after an incident she claimed she could not remember. The defense asked whether this event involved another individual and the victim stated yes, but claimed she could not remember what or who was involved.

She did note however after this incident transpired, her phone began to be monitored by her father’s girlfriend, who discovered texts that raised “a red flag” regarding Melton. The woman reportedly questioned the girl, who claimed nothing was happening at the time. When asked why she did not state at the time Melton had been involved in illicit behavior, the girl stated she was afraid to be in trouble.

Questions regarding the suspects interaction with the girl were a frequent topic. She noted he was “nice to her” numerous times. When asked to elaborate, she stated he told her she “looked nice,” explaining it made her feel special. When questioned as to if she saw her relationship with Melton as just a family member or something more, the girl stated “something more.”

Additional testimonies were given by law enforcement officers Derek Kreider, Milford Police Department, and Joe Denton, Syracuse Police Department. Kreider and Denton, a certified evidence technician, visited the residence to gather evidence. Denton noted he found bodily fluids on the girl’s mattress, which she claimed Melton ejaculated on.

Denton removed the section of mattress in question and both this sample as well as skin cells collected from Melton were sent in to Great Lakes Lab to check for a potential match in DNA. According to forensic toxicologist Michael Caplis, lab director at Great Lakes Lab, seven matches were found between the samples, seemingly linking Melton’s DNA to the bed.

Rigdon argued that other individuals’ DNA was also found on the bed and questioned whether the familial bond between the two could cause similarities in DNA found in the bed. Though Caplis stated it could, he also stated he believed the DNA originated from Melton.