Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, serving as special prosecutor in Shannon County, has charged three sheriff’s office members—Deputy Thomas R. Manning, former Deputy John D. “J.D.” Melvin, and Captain Michael G. McCoy—with sexual misconduct and forgery. The charges relate to incidents between January 1 and July 29, including improper conduct during traffic stops and forging official documents, according to the Office of the Attorney General.
Manning faces multiple serious charges, including Sexual Misconduct in the Course of Public Duty and 1st-degree Sexual Abuse, with additional Harassment and Sodomy counts, carrying a $50,000 bond. McCoy is charged with Sexual Misconduct and Forgery with a $15,000 bond, while Melvin faces Forgery under the same bail amount, as reported by the Office of the Attorney General.
"The conduct alleged is not only illegal, but it is also predatory and a disgrace to the badge and to the honorable men and women who serve and protect our communities every day," Hanaway stated. She added, "The people of Shannon County deserve justice and accountability," emphasizing that the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty, as stated by the Office of the Attorney General.
