Repeat Child Sex Offender Sentenced to 42 Years for Child Pornography

WILLIS, TX -- Melvin Jones, 59, of Willis, Texas, has been sentenced to a total of 42 years in prison on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, after pleading guilty to three third-degree felony charges of Possession of Child Pornography. Jones’ punishment was enhanced by a prior prison sentence for Indecency with a Child from 1994 in Harris County, Texas. Under a plea agreement, Judge Hamilton of the 359th District Court sentenced Jones to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on the first two charges, and 2 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on the third charge, with the sentences to run consecutively. Jones must serve at minimum 10.5 years before he becomes eligible for parole on the final case.

In May 2022, a family member of Jones located a phone belonging to Jones and saw several images children being sexually abused. The family member had seen similar images on his phone a few years prior, but did not report it. After the images were found, Jones threatened the family member that “if you burn me, I will kill you.” Even after the threats, the family member reported what she saw. Detective Shelby Yow with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Diane Peterson with Montgomery County Constable Precinct 5 executed a search warrant at Jones’ residence, and seized multiple electronic devices belonging to Jones. A preliminary examination found evidence of child pornography, and Jones was arrested on May 23, 2022. Upon a full forensic examination of Jones’ phone and computer, over 2300 images and videos were located, some of which contained heinous acts of child sexual abuse against very young children.

In 1993, Jones sexually abused a 7 year old child. He was charged and convicted of Indecency with a Child in Harris County, Texas. He received a sentence of 3 years in prison on July 15, 1994.

The Montgomery County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office, Montgomery County ICAC Detectives, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office assisted in providing evidence and support necessary for successful prosecution. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sara Corradi.

Prosecutor Sara Corradi: “Jones’ prior conviction as a sex offender did not stop him from exploiting children. With this conviction and sentence, he will never again be able to prey on young children.”

District Attorney Brett Ligon: “This case serves as a stark reminder of the undeniable link between handson child sexual abuse and child pornography. In Montgomery County, we know holding child pornography offenders accountable saves kids. We will always fight for justice for the most vulnerable.”