Judge orders man with 25-year history of sexually abusing children held without bond

A sex offender with a documented 25-year-history of sexually abusing children who lived in Joplin since October and perhaps longer without registering will be held without bond while awaiting trial.

In an order issued today, U. S. District Court Judge David P. Rush said Gabriel Melchor, 52,  was a flight risk and "a danger to the community."

U. S. marshals had been hunting for Melchor since 2017 when he failed to register in Texas for a third time.

From Judge Rush's order:

The Grand Jury has found probable cause to believe that the offense charged was committed by this defendant. 

Based on the evidence presented at the hearing, there are no conditions that the Court can impose that would reasonably assure the defendant’s appearance at all scheduled hearings and the safety of other persons or the community. 









The factors to be considered by the Court in determining whether the defendant should be detained pending trial are enumerated in section 3142(g). The evidence at the hearing established that the weight of the evidence against the defendant is overwhelming.  

Regarding the potential for failure to appear, the Court notes the offense charged, defendant’s substance abuse history, lack of verifiable, legitimate employment, unsuitable living situation, and lack of familial, residential, community, employment, property, and financial ties (not limited to the district of arrest). 

The Court also notes the defendant’s criminal history. Regarding the potential danger to the community, the Court notes the nature of the instant offense and defendant’s criminal history which includes, but is not limited to, the following: prior arrests and convictions; pattern of similar criminal activity history; charge involving a sex offense; and, charge involving a child. 

In addition, the Court notes defendant’s substance abuse history. Based on all the foregoing, the Court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is a flight risk, and finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is a danger to the community. 

Melchor told Joplin Police Department officer Seth Dear he had been living in Missouri for two years. He had been staying at the Sunrise Inn, 3600 S. Range Line, since October.