A former pastor from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Stephen Melton, has pleaded guilty to charges of patronizing prostitutes. Melton, who served at Big Spring Presbyterian Church in Newville, admitted to engaging in sexual activities at GL Massage in Carlisle multiple times a week. His actions were uncovered as part of "Closed-2-Trafficking," a human trafficking investigation conducted by the Cumberland County Human Trafficking Task Force.
Melton's visits to the massage parlor began in April 2023 and continued for over a year. According to court records, he was aware that the women at the establishment might be victims of trafficking but continued to visit. During an interview, Melton admitted to providing the women with flowers, food, and clothing.
The investigation led to Melton's arrest last year, and he formally pleaded guilty on Monday (September 8). He is awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for November 17. Melton's attorney acknowledged the charges during his formal arraignment, as reported by CBS 21.