According to Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy…

According to Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Derrick O'Meara, the Director of the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center, a 37 year old Rome man has been arrested for having sexual contact with a child.

The investigation began on August 30, 2020 by Sheriff’s Investigator Mark R. Chrysler, who is assigned to the Child Advocacy Center. During the investigation, it was learned that Anthony J. Melise, age 37, had sexual contact with a 10 year old female child over a period of time in the Spring and early Summer of 2020.

On September 18, 2020, Investigator Chrysler and Rome Police Detective Alex Sypniewski arrested Melise, charging him with one count of Criminal Sexual Act in the 1st degree, a class B Felony. Melise was arraigned before Rome City Court Judge John Gannon and was remanded to the Oneida County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail, or $50,000 bond.

The investigation is continuing and more charges are anticipated.

An Order of Protection has been issued on behalf of the child and services have been offered through the Child Advocacy Center.