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 from Manitowoc County and a criminal complaint from Sheboygan County give more details on the allegations against Gregory Melin, 36. Melin teaches seventh and eighth grades at Roncalli Middle School in Manitowoc, but has been placed on administrative leave.
Melin has been charged with a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct in Sheboygan County. Prosecutors say two teens, ages 14 and 15, confronted Melin after he took a photo of them on a beach last Wednesday. Melin tried to delete the photos, but the 15-year-old grabbed the phone from his hands and began scrolling through other photos he took. Another group of teens ranging from 16 to 18 years old also called 911 after Melin allegedly took photos of them.
During an interview, authorities say Melin admitted taking photos of girls in bikinis 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 had a bail hearing Thursday in Manitowoc County court, where a $20,000 cash bond was set. Melin returns to court Monday for a formal initial appearance.
Assistant District Attorney Gail Prost said investigators were still reviewing the 1,100 images, but noted more than 200 photos were of one victim, and more than 100 photos were of a second victim.
As is typical in Manitowoc County, formal charges were not filed Thursday but are expected to be before Monday’s formal initial appearance.
For the Sheboygan County case, Melin pleaded not guilty Wednesday, and returns to court Aug. 9 for a pre-trial conference.
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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