Anthony Sal Melancon, Jr., Distribution of Child Pornography, Louisiana 2020
LAFAYETTE, La. - A St. Martinville man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for distributing child pornography.
Anthony Sal Melancon, Jr., 48, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for distributing child pornography, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
A federal grand jury in Lafayette returned an indictment on August 21, 2019, charging Melancon with child pornography offenses. Melancon pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography on December 14, 2020.
Evidence introduced at the hearing established that while in a sexual relationship with a woman, Melancon discussed with her his desire to have sex with a minor girl and he asked the woman if she would agree to have sex with Melancon and a minor girl.
On January 21, 2017, Melancon sent the woman a pornographic image over the internet of a prepubescent girl that he claimed he had performed sexual acts upon. Melancon began asking the woman to send pictures of her minor daughter to him.
The woman’s husband found the communications on the woman’s laptop and contacted law enforcement. A search warrant was executed and Melancon admitted to law enforcement agents that he sent the child pornography images over the internet.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Luke Walker prosecuted the case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children.
Melancon's sentencing is a reminder that the distribution of child pornography is a serious crime with severe consequences. The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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