rmer Moorestown cop, ex-girlfriend convicted on child sex charges

Former Moorestown cop, ex-girlfriend convicted on child sex charges

MOORSETOWN — A former southern New Jersey police officer and his ex-girlfriend have been convicted on several child sex assault charges.
Robert Melia Jr., who was suspended from the Moorestown police force after his April 2008 arrest, was found guilty Friday on 22 counts, including official misconduct.
In 2008, Melia also was charged with animal cruelty after investigators said a video found in his home showed him sexually molesting cows. Those charges were dismissed in 2009 because bestiality is not a crime in New Jersey.
Heather Lewis of Pemberton, Melia's ex-girlfriend, also was found guilty Friday, on 26 counts.
Their convictions included multiple counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, child endangerment and invasion of privacy.
But the Burlington County jury could not reach verdicts on 19 counts that both defendants faced. The charges stemmed from alleged assaults against the same victim, and prosecutors did not say whether they will retry them on those charges.
Melia and Lewis both face more than 50 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 13.

Cop facing sex assault charge now accused of animal cruelty
Published: Wednesday, April 23, 2008, 8:34 AM Updated: Wednesday, April 23, 2008, 8:35 AM
MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (AP) -- More legal trouble for Burlington County policeman charged with sexually assaulting three girls.
Authorities have charged Moorestown Officer Robert Melia Jr. with cruelty to animals. Authorities say Melia engaged in sex acts involving cows in 2006.
Melia and his girlfriend, Heather Lewis, were charged last week with three counts of sexual assault and one count of criminal sexual contact involving three girls at his home in Pemberton between 2003 and 2006.