MITCHELL—The Mitchell Police Department secured an arrest warrant for William E. Melvin Jr., 64, of Bedford, after an investigation into an alleged violation of a protective order following a report filed on July 7, 2025.
The investigation, detailed in a probable cause affidavit sworn by Officer Garrett Jacobs, stems from a complaint filed by the suspect’s family members.
According to Officer Jacobs’ affidavit, the incident occurred on July 7, 2025, when family members contacted the Mitchell Police Department at 3:22 p.m. to report that Melvin Jr. allegedly attempted to communicate with his father using a third party in violation of a protective order.
The affidavit also includes background information provided by the family regarding the reasons for the protective order and ongoing threats, saying Melvin Jr. was “increasingly violent and hostile in the household” after being released from prison. Another family member said Melvin Jr. was making threats, such as he was “going to shoot him in the back of the head” and “take care of him.” Officer Jacobs advised that the family member who lives in Salem file a report with the Salem Police Department.
Based on the evidence and statements gathered, Officer Jacobs concluded that there is probable cause to believe that Melvin Jr. committed the offense of invasion of privacy. The affidavit was submitted to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office for review, and a warrant was issued for Melvin Jr.’s arrest. He was detained on December 9th.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
