MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A middle school teacher suspected of taking inappropriate photos of girls in his classroom was arrested after allegedly taking photos of teenage girls on a beach.
A probable cause document gives more details on the allegations against Gregory Melin, 36. Melin teaches seventh and eighth grades at Roncalli Middle School in Manitowoc.
According to the document, Sheboygan police received a complaint about Melin taking photos on a beach last Wednesday. During an interview, he admitted taking photos and said he sexually gratifies himself with similar photos. He allowed police to search his phone, and they say they found the photos from the beach, as well as photos that appeared to have been taken in a classroom setting.
Many of the classroom photos were of private areas of girls’ bodies and appeared to have been taken beneath desks and tables. The girls were clothed.
Melin provided the girls’ names, and Manitowoc police interviewed them. Some of the victims recalled seeing Melin use his phone during class, and one suspected he may have been taking photos. None of the girls consented to having photos taken.
Police say Melin admitted he began taking photos of students last November and continued through the end of the past school year.
Sheboygan police estimated about 1,100 photos may have been taken in his classroom, although Melin said he believed he took about 50 photos.
Melin is expected to appear in court Thursday for a bail hearing. No formal charges have been filed yet.
Meanwhile, Manitowoc police are looking for more potential victims. Anyone else who may be a victim or witness is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Michael Stone at (920) 686-6557.
After his arrest last week, Roncalli Catholic Schools issued a statement, saying, “Roncalli Catholic Schools officials have been cooperating with authorities and Mr. Melin has been placed on administrative leave. This is the first we are hearing of any issues surrounding Mr. Melin.”
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