An arrest warrant issued in late January names a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent in an alleged sexual assault that investigators say followed a downtown bar meetup on September 12, 2025. According to the warrant affidavit, the woman was taken to a hotel room and sexually assaulted despite saying no multiple times, and detectives say biological evidence connects the suspect to the room. As of now, police have not taken the agent into custody.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, Austin police secured an arrest warrant signed Jan. 29 charging Melvin Davis with second-degree felony sexual assault. The paper reports the woman went for a sexual-assault forensic exam two days after the encounter at a SAFE clinic in Austin, and that DNA collected in that exam matched a sample linked to Davis. Court records reviewed by the Statesman show Davis had not been arrested as of Feb. 2, 2026.
The affidavit cited by the Statesman says the two first met at the Library Bar on East Sixth Street, then later went to a downtown hotel room. It recounts that the woman objected repeatedly and tried to leave. The document alleges Davis "picked up the woman, threw her onto the bed, pinned her and restrained her legs," and says she "stopped resisting because she believed she would lose" and then "blacked out and froze." In a Nov. 20 interview with investigators, Davis denied having sex with the woman, the Austin American-Statesman reports.
Allegations Detailed In The Affidavit
Investigators say the evening escalated after the Library Bar meeting, when Davis persuaded the woman to leave with him. The affidavit outlines a series of actions that officers describe as involving force and restraint. It notes a brief moment when the woman managed to break free using a jiu-jitsu move, before Davis allegedly grabbed her by the throat and stopped her from getting away. Detectives included those details in a probable-cause affidavit that led to the Jan. 29 arrest warrant.
Forensic Exam And Survivor Support Options
The woman received a sexual-assault forensic exam two days later at a SAFE Alliance clinic in Austin, where specialized nurses collect evidence and provide medical care and advocacy, according to SAFE Alliance. SAFE notes that survivors can seek a private forensic exam and supportive services without immediately filing a police report, and that advocates can assist with reporting and safety planning when and if someone chooses to involve law enforcement. Anyone with information tied to this case can call the Austin Police Department Sex Crimes tip line at 512-974-5095, according to the City of Austin.
What The Charges Could Mean In Court
Police have charged Davis with a second-degree felony. Under Texas law that level of charge is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000. Texas sexual-assault statutes focus on nonconsensual sexual conduct and recognize various situations where consent is legally invalid. At this stage the sexual-assault count remains an allegation, and Davis is presumed innocent unless and until prosecutors prove the case in court. The state's penalty range for a second-degree felony is set out in the Texas Penal Code, according to Justia.
Police officers and prosecutors will now attempt to locate and arrest the suspect so the Travis County District Attorney's Office can review the case and decide whether to file formal charges. That process can take weeks or months as investigators gather evidence and potential witnesses, and authorities say they are still interested in hearing from anyone who might have information that could help.
