Sheriff's captain resigns amid QCN investigation of child sex assault case

After an SRO responded, deputies found Mona Melton and the little girl who accused a 56-year-old family member of sexually molesting her.
Thanks for stopping by Queen City News' KZbin channel! We’re proud to bring you local stories, breaking news, in-depth investigations, Charlotte-area weather, and more!
Subscribe to Queen City News KZbin: / queencitynews
Watch more Queen City News videos: www.qcnews.com/
Visit our other social media channels!
/ yqcnews
/ queen_city_news
/ fox46charlotte

[@QueenCityNews]

Our investigation into this July 2022 case would later uncover the steps the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office took to investigate this case, including whether investigators worked to figure out Mona Melton’s story about the mother forcing her daughter to recant. www.qcnews.com/news/investigations/south-carolina-sheriffs-captain-resigns-amid-qcn-unheard-investigation-of-uninvestigated-child-sex-assault-case/

[@danielboone8435]

"I don't have an answer for ya on that one" You managed to get an honest answer. Bra.vo.

[@jaycreasey]

The mother needs to be locked up to 😮

[@danielboone8435]

@@jaycreasey She is. Don't ask me how she's been texting.

[@iMatti00]

🤡 ~ This cop should just call it “fake news“ and a “witchhunt“. It works for certain politicians I know with about half the country.b

[@PilotFlight2Mars]

Can you create a playlist for the other associated reports with this case? Or add links in the description or under my comment? It’s unreasonable and far too difficult to locate any other videos that maybe associated. I tried, but I don’t know how you’d have titled them.

[@user-neo71665]

The sheriff needs to be locked up for aiding and abetting

[@JustaMomnFamily]

So should mom. Mom wanted her to delete the pics n mom wanted her to say it was a lie

[@howlinwulf]

Yes and mama also.

[@barbarageorge7848]

Get the mother, too!!! 😡

[@EricFullwood]

The fact that that individual rose to the rank of Captain speaks volumes about the sorry state of law enforcement in this country.

[@KBM144]

They will let anyone become a Sheriff Captain this man is pure ignorant and unprofessional

[@user-lp1jw9bo5y]

we have already official replace that Chief with a member of the LBGQT society

[@user-wn1qx2yw6n]

What?@@user-lp1jw9bo5y

[@todddanforth8853]

And they tell us Sheriff's offices are better than regular police because they are "closer to the people." That's nothing but lying propaganda. smh 🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮

[@stevenhardway7650]

This is why cops shouldn't be allowed to lie to arrest you because it makes them think they can lie all the time and they do just that

[@nadasurf9009]

RETIRED BEFORE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! PENSION FOR LIFE

[@crinklecut3790]

They did a “thorough investigation” by not interviewing a single person. A consensual interview doesn’t require any probably cause. They refuse to accept any accountability. They’re cowards.

[@dopeytripod]

seems we allow their behavior

[@TGears314]

Well most police are hired, not elected. The general public doesn’t get much say sadly. I know in my county and a lot of others, the Sheriff is elected, but that’s just one person out of how many officers under him/her?

[@doc693]

yes we do@@dopeytripod

[@writerconsidered]

Probable cause just means a crime may have happened. All you need is one allegation to have probable cause. They had probable cause and choose to drop the ball in this case.

[@user-lp1jw9bo5y]

As in my local police department from the captain on down there all dirty and they all protect each other because they all are afraid of lawsuits which cost them their careers

[@brentfu1119]

This Sherrif could care less. Cops are allowed to resign to avoid scrutiny.

[@toomuch3864]

Why did he quit , if he did nothing wrong?? Innocent people dig their heels in and fight. Huh??? Police don’t have integrity, actually trained to be unfeeling or concerned, ask any cop yourself.

[@newhorizon1355]

Negative, it's great for tax payers when they quit. When a person is employed tax payers pay all legal costs, when they quit or fired- they have to pay for their own legal representation.

[@dopeytripod]

@@newhorizon1355 so rewarding someone with a huge pension is the norm then?

[@howlinwulf]

​@@newhorizon1355no they go somewhere else and no the union represents them. They are out nothing.

[@newhorizon1355]

@dopeytripod No one said a thing about retirement. They get no retirement benefits if they willingly resign in lieu of criminal charges or if fired. But again, seems ppl here missed point- if they are employed at the time of charges, Tax Payers flip that cost. If they quit or are fired prior, they must secure they're own legal council.

[@TammyMartinBLUE]

What a brave little girl! Thank God these women stood up for her!

Damn guys and their penis.

[@user-kt3wl1gm9m]

Im so happy u woman helped her

[@synnove1046]

And also thank God for the bail bondsman, Ethan Foard, for getting this investigation going! I read an article about this case and he was instrumental in getting attention on this story along with preventing the accused, Hector/Belisario Morales Mazariegos, from being released on bail which could have allowed this pedophile to jump bail and victimize more children.

[@Smurphy415]

Right?

[@darylgardner509]

What a slim ball....that girl suffered because of an incompetent Captain. He needs to be held accountable. Take the mom down also. She failed her child.

[@puppybasket3906]

Almost everyone failed this lil girl. Bless this woman for saving her and thank you for pushing this to get her safe and maybe a little justice.

[@lennychorn147]

The mother failed her. The mother was protecting the brother. When the mother found out about the photos from the friend's mom, she told her to delete the photos and mind her own business. The mother only changed her tune, after the secret was out and snowballing. The friend's mother also forwarded the images of the girl being raped to the mother of the victim. Unfortunately, there is not much the police can do, when the family of the victim chooses to protect the abuser over the victim. But this time the mother had no choice in the matter, less she goes to jail(which she should)for child endangerment and neglect, along with emotional abuse.

[@annpeerkat2020]

terrible police reaction to a terrible event. I don't think one resignation is enough to cleanse the record and ensure such a thing never happens again.

[@johnkennedy7042]

The captain should be prosecuted for tampering with evidence, failure to report, and ethics violations. He should not be able to retire Scott free with a full pension after his gross negligence in this case. I would say the family should sue the county but the mother is just as complicit as the corrupt captain. This case absolutely disgusts me. 😡

[@someonewhoknows1000]

The child can legally sue as soon as she turns 18 years old, but before the Statute of Limitations, which is usually 2 years. She can sue the City, police department, the creep, and her mother. I honestly hope someone who knows and loves this child tells her to sue asap after turning 18.

[@synnove1046]

Maybe there’s an attorney who would be willing to sue on the child’s behalf, so that only she would get the money. She certainly could use it for some serious therapy.

[@synnove1046]

@@someonewhoknows1000Great reminder.

[@JamesJones-mn1ld]

Not a chance in hell. White men protect their own. They make the laws and break the laws with impunity.

[@vitogriffin8902]

If Jordan would have been properly investigated and charged for the multiple crimes he's committed during his career then he would have never even made it to the sheriff's department. He was a crooked town cop before he went to the sheriff's department....he caused a wreck during an unlawful chase that got a young lady thrown from a car and impaled on a fence a couple decades ago, then went to the crooked sheriff's department to continue his criminal career.

[@BlindMansRevenge2002]

The sheriff captain gets to resign, get full, retirement, benefits, full pension, retire, and not face any accountability or discipline for his blatant dereliction of duty. The only individuals, this sheriff department is serving and protecting our themselves.

[@howlinwulf]

Been saying this for years. How is this still happening. Why can't the laws be changed to hold them accountable!!!!

[@Chevy01]

This man should have some kind of punishment.

[@LiveLovely9]

What’s even more disheartening is that this is probably not the first or last child this will happen to. 🧡🙏🏾🧡 Sickening individuals sworn To uphold the law…..and literally get away with being a professional bully….using the law to hide their nasty deeds and the deeds of their “buddies”. The book is opening up….once you open Pandora’s box there’s no turning back…..

[@terrylong6457]

He needs to be charged, convicted, and lose his pension.

[@hbt739]

What? he doesnt get any pensions. Thats not how ot works. He will resign, the internal invest will stop, he will move state and work again as a cop and let another little girl get ra** for a few years. What we need are national bad cops registers. Anyone who was ever invetigated for incompetence gets marked down. So they cant hust jump states

[@charliekowittmusic]

“We did a thorough and proper investigation.” Amazing you could do that without interviewing the girl, the mother, or anybody else.

[@kevadonis]

resignation is a sign of no backbone and is immoral. how much you wanna bet that the dude who resigned has kids? now imagine having to explain to your friends at school who your dad is and why...

[@P_RO_]

THIS is the power of journalism working for the people 😊❤👍👍

[@CeanStrauss]

What? A little public shaming and no accountability? I mean good work to the journalists involved, but these criminally negligent lying LEO's are still sitting consequence free sucking up our tax dollars.

[@portuguesepossum3165]

Great reporting. It’s refreshing to see real journalism.

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

I'm a retired journalist and I couldn't agree more. Unlike you and me, most people don't know the difference.

[@dopeytripod]

"Sheriff's captain resigns"?????????????? HOW IS HE ALLOWED TO JUST RETIRE? charge him with the crime & throw him in jail

[@EVOLMAI]

😤🤬😤🤬😤 Is The Sheriff A Predator As Well?

[@cathybutcher4826]

I was wondering too. He has a bully like presence and the fact that he has daughters and it doesn't faze him one bit.

[@curtisshepherd1470]

Why is it, when police across this nation are investigated. That cannot remember nothing. When they are prosecuting, they now have the best memory, can remember every detail from ten years ago.

[@unclemike5840]

Lessons from Hillary ?

[@phillipcooley83]

Sounds like one of those law enforcement departments that spends all their time harassing people that are doing nothing wrong, and ignore people that break the law. Shocking! SMH

[@cashdingo6386]

They’re all “one of those”, rape cases don’t pay for MRAPS or new cars or unlimited overtime, victimless crimes and speeding tickets do. Hospitals, Police Departments, City Councils are all FOR PROFIT. They do not work for the betterment of anyone.

[@Megan-cd6sh]

You nailed it!

[@peterresetz1960]

I heard a lot of "I didn't see it." and "I don't know." Kudos for local news for prodding the police to reopen the investigation.

[@joerdahl2558]

The reason why they ignored it, it doesn't Bring any money into the police department. It's no revenue, it's disgusting.

[@deniseeugene1852]

Covered up

[@cherylkline142]

"In a perfect world," police would actually do their job and protect that young child from the sexual abuse they were aware of.

[@Chevy01]

Exactly this is horrible story.

[@nadasurf9009]

What an amazing woman to notice the behavior of that child!

[@pattyg4421]

What an amazing child to be able to trust that amazing woman. Other wise this could still be happening to her. This person needs to be sent back to wherever he came from or if he is imprisoned here he gets a real burley cell mate

[@biffsmith3927]

Everybody knows all government employees lie. Cops are unable to even tell the truth anymore,they lie so often they dont even remember the truth.

[@biffsmith3927]

As I've been saying for years. If it wears a badge and belongs to the thin blue line gang, it's garbage!!!!!!

[@howlinwulf]

​@@biffsmith3927and you'd be right my man. All they do is harass people for money for the county. I don't know why they didn't automatically lock this pervert up. Unless he may have dirt on someone.

[@lennychorn147]

Actually the girl sent the images to her friend, who then immediately showed them to her mother. The mother first tried contacting the victim's mother, who told her to delete the photos and mind her own business. That's when the friend's mother contacted police and shared the photos with them. Had the victim's mother feigned intrest and acted like she was going to do something about it, the police likely wouldn't have been contacted. The true hero is the victim's friend who immediately trusted her mother and showed her the images.

[@nadasurf9009]

KEEP AN EYE ON THIS CAPTAIN. SEE IF HE GETS HIRED IN ANOTHER STATE AND OR COUNTY. RESIGN BEFORE YOU GET FIRED OR INVESTIGATED. THEN GET REHIRED ELSEWHERE OR JUST RETIRE AND GET PAID FROM TAXPAYERS FOR ETERNITY. 😢

[@Inthe304]

Great job trying to hold that police department accountable for their laziness and lack of professionalism.

[@laexpress]

The sheriff in this case should be held responsible as he holds us responsible for any and all actions we do. In this case, because he is the sheriff and KNOWs BETTER, he should be held responsible at a much higher level.

[@unclemike5840]

Won’t happen . Qualified immunity

[@vjcodec]

another reminder to always record your police interactions. And Hector hope your buddies in jail find out about this.

[@bobswanson8464]

Best Reporter EVER, he did not hold back..."You are a Father, what do think happened to her..." I am sick of these police officer, they FAILED at every Point...the cops were EVIL by doing NOTHING.

[@MamaTriedSolo]

If you ever want to make things worse, call the police.

[@theblackfox8920]

The mother is in on this and for sure knew for a long time this was happening

[@DedmanReactin]

Jody and his team are awesome!! Keep those cop's in check!!

[@newhorizon1355]

Sick and tired of cover ups, especially, by ppl supposed to protect.

[@unclemike5840]

Prayers for the young lady

[@cardcraze740]

I am so freaking proud of both of the young ladies and the mother that helped her! And oh so disappointed and ashamed of the individuals that were suppose to protect her.

[@RottenInDenmarkOrginal]

Is she his only victim? Bless Mona! She cares more than the mother!

[@rrosen7370]

Proper, Thorough, investigation! BS!!!! Department is as guilty as the perpetrator. 🤬😡 Great Reporting!

[@kellylestig4941]

That sheriff is a disgrace to his department he needs to be fired immediately he’s lying through his teeth

[@tmc4471]

They should get an IT expert to look into archives to see what was "modified" in the police record and if he deleted pertinent information, he should be sued and prosecuted to the furthest extent of the law.

[@cathybutcher4826]

💯💥

[@louisianameme675]

Horrible interview by the police by denying and deflecting. Everyone involved should be fired and replaced by the heavily vetted. The problem with this police corruption starts at the top.

[@JustaMomnFamily]

A woman who wasnt the childs mither did more for her than all others. Wow

[@KBM144]

This Sheriff Captain is unprofessional & incompetent at his job . All of the Ex Sheriff Captain prior work should be investigated 🔎 . The mother of this little girl should be locked up along with the pedo

[@MrTadted1]

Is there a single police chief in America that isn't a liar when his back's to the wall?

[@moonbeam7702]

Corruption? Sweeping what happened under the rug? Out of sight, out of mind? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of such deviousness/underhandedness until I heard about what happened to that poor little girl. 😡🤬

[@victorfournier5931]

Agree with the first part of your post 100%. The second part happens every day. People need to wake up and hold government officials accountable for the injustice that goes on every day within the justice system.

[@moonbeam7702]

@@victorfournier5931 AMEN!!!!!

[@morganmccarthur1633]

First the sheriff said: I told you this, then the sheriff said: I don't remember what I said. It's all on tape sheriff. He's a pathological liar. You can tell the sheriff lies often.

[@user-xp9cp8pv3q]

Thank goodness for that lady a true guardian angel. Makes me wonder is there are protecting predators in this law enforcement department Sounds like Chesterfield county needs to be investigated!!! This chief body language is nervous clenching his mouth and chin shaking his legs great reporting and questioning!

[@georgepaust8416]

It was as if the perpetrator had qualified immunity. Committed a crime. He goes totally unpunished. Decides since there are no consequences he will do it again. 1 + 1 does equal 2.

[@gerardstanley4788]

Sick the hole system let her down

[@walialamriki1060]

*whole system

[@cashdingo6386]

“We investigated but found that molestation and rape don’t pay out as well as DWI and speeding tickets so we closed the investigation and bought another couple squad cars instead.”

[@botabob]

This Sheriff is disgusting. This is why law enforcement is losing the confidence of the people they serve. JMO

[@ronstewart4545]

It’s okay, the lead investigator moved down the road with his pension intact and nothing on his record.

[@kbar2530]

It's amazing how these incompetent people end up in all government departments. What's even worse is they cover for each other. ETHAN FOR SHERRIFF!!

[@expertexcavatinginc]

They need to sue on behalf of the child. Wow.

[@SheilaMcClain397]

I knew Wayne was lying due to his body language! Fire him! This has to stop from law enforcement needs to be held accountable for this it’s a serious crime and a child was tormented! It will follow her ALL her life it will NEVER be over for her. He’s admitted on here he can’t handle his job so are we as “The People “ going to trust him again to protect our community especially our children!

[@unclemike5840]

The SCOTUS has ruled they have no obligation to do so

[@lisaenglert3202]

When, oh when, are there’s “mothers” going to look out for their kids instead of keeping some pos in the house. Wayne Jordan is just as bad for letting this guy continue hurting that child. Her abuse is on your head. Strength to that little girl. You can get thru this sweetie. And you did such a smart amazing job. 💜

[@marigolddevera6932]

Thank you so much to the investigator!!!

[@LUtz1230]

Great reporting.

[@doncampbell3645]

Allowing the retirement is criminal. Should be prison time and loss of pension for the lawsuit. The entire department is corrupt and criminal with willfull intent

[@adamelam6385]

Every county needs a Jody Barr.

[@doc693]

The pits of hell is line with people just like this sheriff.

[@joekev27]

I believe the sheriff is purposefully ignoring the victim as a way to help put the person committing the abuse. I wouldn't be surprised if they have ties to the sheriffs office.

[@shamioshi]

To help the undocumented immigrant? In SC? UNLIKELY. Whats more likely isbthey didn't prioritize the investigation because those involved were immigrants OR they were just plain lazy.

[@howlinwulf]

That's exactly what I thought

[@MRR-qv3bw]

He's a mandated reporter and by law has to report this over to Department of Social Services for them to do their 45 day investigation. He has not only broke his oath to the constitution but he's broken numerous policies that would have more than likely stopped the second assault! Jody you need to go and get any records that DSS has and see if an emergency family plan was ever put in place!

[@klatubaradanikto]

Great work from this reporter & news outlet. I can’t believe they gave you the interviews. This is unbelievably sad.

[@harlock75]

This reporter did an incredible job, his questions were fantastic.

[@sterlingspots]

Great follow up on this case. Clearly the case was not important to the department.

[@biffsmith3927]

The only thing that was important to the cops is the cover-up.

[@howlinwulf]

They wouldn't make any money for arresting him and would cost the county money to have him in jail. Cant fine a man for diddling a kid. No money in it.

[@arthurstreet2811]

who in the sheriff's department is protecting that alleged abuser, and why? thank you for investigating, Jody, and thank you to Mr. Foard and Ms. Melton for following up for this little girl.

[@801-church-boi6]

My cousin Wade was molested by an Utah county sheriff for 5 or more years and kept it to himself out of fear, out of what others might think, and the fear of people not believing him. And fear what the cop might doo, Wade took his own life and admitted to My uncle in his suicide letter, They were able to charge the cop with dna from wades body, but now he walks free 25 years later and is around children and I find it scary!

[@ianbattles7290]

Show me any other occupation where you can commit crimes and avoid all consequences by simply quitting your job.

[@KennyG920]

What some people call absolute patheticness others call great investigative work

[@SaraHessXXIV]

Thanks Jody for your investigative reporting

[@picmanjoe]

Disgusting behavior. Great reporting, as usual!

[@timgallagher9229]

I read about this case, he's an illegal immigrant and got a $5k bond until someone brought in ICE... disgraceful

[@kirsikka1029]

The mother should be charged with s3x trafficking since she knew & continued to provide the predator access to her child.

[@IGi83]

The ugly reality is that this happens every day to millions of little girls around the world!

[@robertbascelli6433]

We admire your work Sir.

[@LG-rescues]

That mother needs to be put under the jail!!

[@MichaelBoyer-lm8bw]

You should not be allowed to resign he should have been fired no pension

[@tonyedwards7801]

The resource officer is also accountable for not following up on the report.

[@shamioshi]

Not really. I mean, it would've been nice if she had bit the investigators wouldve been under no obligation to share details or progress of the investigation. In most, if not all police departments, once an officer hands over a report to investigators, they don't go back and question the investigators work.

[@bobswanson8464]

If the mother obstructed Justice, then the Police ALSO obstructed Justice!!!!

[@purplecitygrow2233]

letting him resign is CONSPIRACY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@shamioshi]

They didn't even report it to children's services??? Dear gawd.

Total incompetence on the police 👮 Department.

[@michelleflippin1808]

Speaking as a survivor, I say that law enforcement just assumes that there will be not enough evidence, so they do a half hearted investigation and then close the case. They know that lots of these cases have no evidence from previous experiences, but that doesn't mean none of these cases are worth anything more than a cursory interview. For them not to interview anyone but the little girl and the woman who reported is absolutely negligent. Every officer involved in the first complaint should be reviewed and held accountable for not doing their job. To be in a position of being abused, telling someone, and not being believed is not just disheartening, its completely devastating. I told what was happening to me when I was 7, and was called a lying little b-&$@. By my own family. It is so hard to get the courage to say something to begin with, but to not be believed is sickening. I remember throwing up for weeks after when it happened to me. And of course it gives the perpetrator the confidence to continue or even excalate the abuse. In the perp's mind they can get away with anything now because everyone thinks the victim is a liar. Again, if this were my girl, I would not be happy until I had some accountability from these police officers. To the little girl: This man doesn't own you. These cops are not your friends. Your mother never deserved a beautiful little lady like yourself in the first place. You are strong. You are smart. You are worth every ounce of love in the world. He cannot ever hurt you again. Anytime you have thoughts of him or what happened to you, stop, take a breath, and remember that you are free now. I hope you have the most beautiful life, and that you get anything and everything you need or want. Remember that I am your sister in survival, and you are not alone.❤

[@jameswest9261]

Seems to be many administrators in law enforcement that are being exposed as perpetrators of criminal acts. But they still are seen as 'HERO'S' and we still believe they are here to "Protect and SERVE".

[@unclemike5840]

Some of us know better

[@doc693]

That sheriff is a flat-out liar and I hope everyone votes for him again.

[@BiancaFlowers-pf7kh]

My uncle did the same to my cousins both male & female my Aunt called them horrible names when they told her demanded they stop lying til one day one of them told a teacher who then turned it over to police they were removed. Years later he died of throat cancer with my aunt by his side she is still alive but now she has no one. I hope she suffers in the end as he did yes he went to prison but she took him back.

[@slamboy66]

When detective is being interviewed, that bouncing knee is a BIG tell🤔🤔🤔

[@k.k.9571]

They prioritize drug investigations. That’s what heroes do

[@district12-]

If not for Jody and the bail bondsman this would have again been brushed under the rug. Thank you both, God bless 🙏

[@flukeoutdrsy650]

So keep after him. Just because he left doesn’t change the fact that he didn’t do his job.

[@deannadelmar9863]

Bless you for your investigation. 😊

[@dogmom2023]

Cops don’t want you to use a cell phone when they’re involved but if you make a claim on someone or something, you better have proof on your cell phone to give them. I have run into that. They just don’t listen anymore. They need to see.

[@AmeliasMiMi]

😡😡😡🥺 How horrible! Thank you so much for bringing this to light! They finally did the right thing: resigned!

[@roeramataroria2159]

And this coward gets to resign! He's probably involved some how?

[@abigailgarcia3090]

Outstanding reporter get in there!!!! Great work, he tried to squirm himself out of it and he stayed on him!!!

[@SUKKAHFREE206]

Police the predator and mamie need to be charged point blank. They allowed the demon to resign and get his pension disgusting. But I'm not shocked this is what they do.

[@Smurphy415]

This is so difficult to even watch, can you imagine what this little child has endured?

[@harperramsey1305]

Impressive work . Kudos to Jody and your team , thank you .

[@donaldwillinger4280]

Great job. Thank you for caring.

[@americanarborcare]

So refreshing to see a reporter standing up for the weak instead of carrying water for the powerful. Keep speaking truth brother, you're doing God's work!

[@screamordie1000]

Been watching for a while now, if only you guys could go to a couple of states and do this. We need more reporters like this.