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Justice Finds Its Voice: Life for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
In 2012, an 8-year-old girl endured the unimaginable at the hands of someone she should have been able to trust. For years, her pain remained hidden, unspoken, but never forgotten. In 2019, she found the courage to come forward. This past week, justice answered.
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, a Montgomery County jury returned a punishment verdict of life in prison for 65-year-old Ronny Joe Melton, who was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The case was tried in the 221st District Court, with Judge Lisa Michalk presiding. Assistant District Attorneys Frances Manzo and Lianne Baldridge led the prosecution.
The abuse came to light when the survivor, now an adult, bravely disclosed that Melton forcibly sexually assaulted her as an 8-year-old child. Her report sparked an extensive investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, which uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse.
During the investigation, authorities identified an additional child who had been sexually abused by Melton. A third victim later came forward with even more disturbing information as she recounted spending the night as a child in Melton’s home and waking up, without her underwear on, in a different place than where she fell asleep. Several family members also reported enduring years of physical abuse at the hands of this defendant.
At trial, the jury heard emotional testimony from the survivor, whose voice ultimately led to Melton’s conviction. Jurors also heard from the responding deputy, the lead detective, a forensic interviewer, and the survivor’s mother. After approximately two and a half hours of deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict on Tuesday, April 15.
During the punishment phase, prosecutors revealed even more about Melton’s long-standing history of abuse. After an additional 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury delivered a decisive sentence: life in prison.
This case reflects the enduring strength of survivors and the unwavering commitment of Montgomery County prosecutors and law enforcement to pursue justice, no matter how many years have passed.
Assistant District Attorney Frances Manzo stated, “This trial was a stand for the voiceless who found their strength. The survivors spoke the truth, and the jury took this predator’s power away. Justice didn’t whisper — it roared.”
District Attorney Brett Ligon shared, “Thanks to the strength of this survivor and the persistence of law enforcement, this defendant will never again have the opportunity to hurt another child. Justice was long overdue, and now it has been delivered.”
Source: Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
