Decades-Old Abuse Uncovered: Montgomery County Man Sentenced to Life for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

A Montgomery County jury delivered a life sentence on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, to 65-year-old Ronny Joe Melton, who was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The verdict, reached in the 221st District Court with Judge Lisa Michalk presiding, followed the courageous testimony of a survivor who endured the abuse as an 8-year-old in 2012.

The survivor, now an adult, found the strength to disclose the horrific assaults in 2019, prompting an extensive investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse involving multiple victims. Authorities identified a second child Melton had sexually abused, and a third victim came forward with a harrowing account of waking up in a different place in Melton’s home as a child, without her underwear on. Several family members also testified to years of physical abuse by the defendant.

At trial, the jury heard powerful and emotional testimony from the survivor, along with accounts from the responding deputy, the lead detective, a forensic interviewer, and the survivor’s mother. The jury returned a guilty verdict on Tuesday, April 15, after approximately two and a half hours of deliberation.

During the punishment phase, prosecutors presented further evidence of Melton’s long history of abuse. Following an additional 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury sentenced Melton to life in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Frances Manzo and Lianne Baldridge, who led the prosecution, emphasized the enduring strength of survivors and the steadfast commitment of Montgomery County prosecutors and law enforcement to pursue justice, regardless of the passage of time.

“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,” said Assistant District Attorney Frances Manzo.