Sexual Assault Charges Net Robert Melia 30-Year Sentence

Update: See Moorestown Cop Robert Melia Gets 30-Year Sentence for Sex Crimes for the full story on today's sentencing of Robert Melia and Heather Lewis.

------------------

Moorestown cop Robert Melia received a 30-year prison sentence today for his part in the sexual abuse—including some incidents caught on tape—of teenage girls.

Melia’s ex-girlfriend Heather Lewis, who was seen on-screen in the videos, received a 25-year sentence. Melia, who is suspended without pay from the Moorestown Police Department, received an extra five years for official misconduct. Melia “blatantly failed to protect those he was sworn to protect,” the judge said during sentencing.

The two have been jailed since their conviction in April on an array of sex charges against the teens. They arrived in court this morning in orange jailhouse jumpsuits.

Prosecutors had sought a 52-year sentence for both Melia and Lewis. Defense attorneys said they would file appeals.

Melia and Lewis’ sentencing was delayed several times. Both were required to undergo testing for sexual offenders, and each refused to speak during the testing.

Melia and Lewis must register as sex offenders and will be placed in the state’s Megan’s Law database of sex offenders.

Some of the sexual assaults and abuse took place in Melia's Moorestown home on Cottage Avenue. That's where prosecutors say the videos, one that showed a shackled, unresponsive girl, were shot.

Melia was convicted of:

• Six counts of sexual assault
• Six counts of aggravated sexual assault
• Two counts of aggravated criminal sexual contact
• Four counts of criminal sexual contact
• Two counts of endangering the welfare of a child
• Invasion of privacy
• Official misconduct

Lewis was convicted of:

• Seven counts of sexual assault
• Six counts of aggravated sexual assault
• Two counts of aggravated criminal sexual contact
• Five counts of criminal sexual contact
• Four counts of endangering the welfare of a child
• Invasion of privacy

This is a breaking news alert. For a full story, including the judge’s harsh words for Robert Melia and Heather Lewis, read Moorestown Cop Robert Melia Gets 30-Year Sentence for Sex Crimes.