Out-of-State Alleged Statutory Rape Fugitive Arrested in NH

MERRIMACK, NH — U.S. Marshals in New Hampshire have arrested a Michigan man accused of the statutory rape of a Pennsylvania girl earlier this month, according to investigators. Gary Wayne Melick Jr., 52, of Commerce Township, MI, was arrested on March 21, 2017, on a fugitive from justice charge.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the U.S. Marshals Service. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

At just before noon today, the fugitive task force received information from a marshal who works for the Pennsylvania State Police that Melick – a man wanted for an alleged statutory rape of a 15-year-old girl in Franklin Township/Waynesburg, PA – might be in Merrimack. Since the incident on March 12, he had reportedly been on the run, avoiding police. Marshals in New Hampshire investigated the tip and allegedly spotted Melick as he left a Daniel Webster Highway residence in Merrimack, heading south in a vehicle.

“The task force stopped this vehicle as it entered Nashua, and arrested Melik without any issues,” according to Deputy U.S. Marshal Jeffrey White.

Melik was booked and charged. He will be held in the Hillsborough County Jail until his court appearance and then, transferred to Pennsylvania.

“The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Forces around the country work closely every day to locate and arrest very dangerous fugitives, and Mr. Melik was one of these dangerous fugitives,” said U.S. Marshal, David Cargill in a statement. “We are glad we were able to quickly locate and arrest Mr. Melik, so he can face the Pennsylvania criminal justice system.”

The George County Messenger reported that the incident occurred at a motel near I-79. State police did not release information on how Melick reportedly made contact with the girl or how long they had known each other, according to a report in The Oserver-Reporter.