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 indicted by the Oneida County Grand Jury for having sexual contact with several underage children.

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 case was on-going and three other children, ranging from 6 years old to 15 years old, who had been victimized by Melise, were identified.

On November 18, 2020, an Oneida County Grand Jury indicted Melise on several more charges stemming from the investigation. The charges are:

-Predatory Sexual Assault against a Child (1 count), a Class A-II Felony

-Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree (1 count), a Class B Felony

-Attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree (1 count), a class C Felony

-Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (3 counts), Class D Felonies

-Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree (2 counts), Class B Misdemeanors

-Endangering the Welfare of a Child (1 count), Class A Misdemeanor

Melise was remanded back to the Oneida County Correctional Facility where his bail remains at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.

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