New Charges Filed Against Newtown Man Accused Of Enticing Minor: Police

NEWTOWN, CT — A Newtown man already accused of trying to entice a child online is now facing additional charges following a police investigation, authorities said.

Paul W. Melnick, 48, of Newtown, was charged with possession of child sexual abuse material after a second arrest warrant was served March 31 while he was in custody, according to the Newtown Police Department.

Police said the charge stems from evidence uncovered during the ongoing investigation, including material recovered through search warrants executed on Melnick’s home, vehicle, and digital devices.

According to police, investigators identified thousands of images and videos containing child sexual abuse material during the review.

Melnick had previously been arrested on Feb. 27 on charges of enticing a minor by computer, misrepresenting age to entice a minor, and harmful communication with a minor, according to court documents.

Police said the earlier case began after a tip from a group called Predator Poachers Long Island, which reported online interactions involving someone Melnick believed to be underage.

Investigators alleged Melnick communicated online with an account posing as an 11-year-old girl and later attempted to meet the child in Newtown, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

Following the latest charge, Melnick’s total bond was increased to $400,000, and he remains in custody, police said.

The investigation remains ongoing, according to authorities.