Criminal charges have been filed against three members of the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office following a special-prosecutor investigation into allegations of abuse under the guise of law enforcement authority. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office appointed by Judge Privette to serve as special prosecutor has charged Deputy Thomas R. Manning, former sheriff’s deputy John D. “J.D.” Melvin, and Captain Michael G. McCoy. The alleged conduct occurred between January 1 and July 29, 2025, while all three were acting in their official duties. The Missouri State Highway Patrol led the investigation. According to the allegations, multiple women stopped during traffic encounters were subjected to inappropriate touching and degrading sexual comments. Charging documents further allege that McCoy and Melvin participated in the falsification or transfer of official court documents, including a probable cause statement, in an attempt to influence judicial proceedings. Charges include:
- Deputy Thomas R. Manning seven counts of Sexual Misconduct in the Course of Public Duty, two counts of 1st-degree Sexual Abuse, three counts of 1st-degree Harassment, and one count of Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy (1st degree). Bond: $50,000
- Captain Michael G. McCoy one count of Sexual Misconduct in the Course of Public Duty and one count of Forgery. Bond: $15,000
- Former Deputy John D. “J.D.” Melvin one count of Forgery. Bond: $15,000
Court dates are pending.
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