TWO ARRESTED, CHARGED IN ASHEVILLE CHILD ABUSE, SEXUAL EXPLOITATION CASE
July 9, 2020
Kristy Kepley-Steward
WLOS
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Two people have been arrested and charged following an investigation into alleged child abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor.
On July 2, 2020, the Asheville Police Department received notification of a case of potential child abuse that was allegedly occurring within city limits. Detectives assigned to the Asheville Police Department unit working at the Buncombe County Family Justice Center began investigating the allegations. These efforts were in conjunction with investigators from the Waynesville Police Department, as the case involved evidence originating in that jurisdiction.
On Wednesday, July 8, detectives served a search warrant at the residence of the suspects in the case. As a result of those efforts, Meghan Katherine Mello, 36, of Arden, has been arrested and charged with second degree sexual exploitation of a minor and misdemeanor child abuse. Mello is being held at the Buncombe County Detention Center under a $60,000 secured bond.
In addition to Mello, Christopher Oliver Murphy, 41, of Arden, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor child abuse.
Message from Executive Director Laura A. Ahearn: Please visit our website at www.crimevictimscenter.org for news, information and resources in your community.
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