Rape In Mount Vernon Police District Leads to Arrest

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A human services employee with Fairfax County is facing charges for a rape in the Mount Vernon Police District, according to Fairfax County Police.

The incident happened Wednesday, June 28. Police believe the victim and suspect did not know each other before meeting at a restaurant outside Fairfax County. When they went to the victim's house in the Mount Vernon District, police say the suspect raped and sexually assaulted the victim.

Police received a report of the incident on Saturday, leading detectives to obtain a warrant charging Ernest Melo, 35, of Centreville, with rape and two counts of sodomy.

Detectives Melo has worked as a human services assistant for the Fairfax County Department of Family Services.

Police did not reveal the location of the rape, but it was within the Mount Vernon Police District, which includes areas around the Richmond Highway corridor.

Melo is being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3, or submit a tip through Crime Solvers.