In a troubling development from North Carolina, a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune is facing serious allegations. Authorities have charged Lance Cpl. Zayne Melton, a 22-year-old Marine, with three felony sex offenses against a minor following a report of alleged abuse.
The investigation initiated in September when the social services department reported potential sexual abuse of a minor. Onslow County officials arrested Melton last week, accusing him of statutory rape of a child under 15, statutory sex offense with a child, and taking indecent liberties with a child. His bond was set at $800,000, and he is currently held at the Onslow County Detention Center.
Lance Cpl. Melton is scheduled to appear in court on March 6. Capt. Nikki McDougall, from the 2nd Marine Logistics Group at Camp Lejeune, stated, “Our command is fully cooperating with local authorities as they conduct their investigation.” She noted that Melton serves as a motor vehicle operator within the 2nd MLG but deferred further inquiries to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office.
Onslow County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the alleged abuse was initially reported on September 18. Following a collaborative investigation with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Melton was interviewed on February 7. A warrant for his arrest was obtained the following week, and the investigation is ongoing as detectives continue to analyze the evidence.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the victim underwent a forensic interview, identifying Melton as the suspect. No further details about the case were available from the sheriff’s office or Melton’s attorney, Stuart Popkin, who declined to comment.
In related news, Military.com previously reported on a separate incident where a Marine Corps noncommissioned officer was charged with murder and involuntary manslaughter for an alleged civilian shooting at Camp Lejeune last year.
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