Former Choctaw Choir Teacher Receives Record Sentence for Sexual Abuse
- mike33692
- Aug 20
- 1 min read
Choctaw, OK- Former Choctaw Choir Teacher Receives Record Prison Sentence
Details of the Sentence
Samuel Melton, a 30-year-old former choir teacher in Choctaw, was sentenced to 17 years in prison followed by 25 years of probation—the longest sentence ever handed down for a sexual predator in Oklahoma schools.
Survivor Speaks Out
The victim, Avery Smith, now 19, spoke directly about the abuse.
“He was calculated, cunning, and infuriatingly smart,” Smith said. “It was important to me to speak publicly to help other victims.”
Broader Impact
Sets precedent for strict sentencing in school predator cases
Spotlights the role of survivors in shaping accountability
Encourages reporting of abuse in educational settings
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