When 22-year-old Marine Zayne Melton was arrested on child sex crime charges in February 2025, the case quickly drew attention from local and national media.
Television stations, newspapers, and military publications reported that the Camp Lejeune Marine had been charged with Statutory Rape of a Child Under 15, Statutory Sex Offense With a Child Under 15, and Indecent Liberties With a Child following an investigation by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office.
More than a year later, the case has largely faded from public attention.
Yet court records reviewed by The Salty Soldier show the charges remain pending, prosecutors have not obtained an indictment, and the next scheduled court hearing is not until September 2026.
According to a February 14, 2025 news release issued by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, investigators received a report from the Onslow County Department of Social Services on Sept. 18, 2024 alleging that a juvenile had been sexually abused.
The Sheriff’s Office said the victim underwent a forensic interview and detectives later identified Melton as a suspect. Investigators interviewed Melton on Feb. 7, 2025 with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service before obtaining arrest warrants several days later.
At the time of his arrest, Melton was charged with three felony offenses and received an $800,000 secured bond. Court records show that bond remained set at that amount following his first appearance.
While the case has remained largely dormant in public court records, Melton has not been free during that time.
The Salty Soldier confirmed with the Onslow County Detention Center that Melton remains incarcerated as of June 2026, approximately 16 months after his arrest.
The arrest generated significant media attention at the time. Local outlets including WCTI, WITN, and WNCT reported on the case, while military-focused publications such as Stars and Stripes and Military.com also covered the allegations.
Since then, however, public developments have been scarce.
Seeking clarification, The Salty Soldier contacted the Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court. Assistant Clerk Leah Braswell confirmed that no additional criminal case numbers are associated with Melton and that the matter remains pending because it has not yet been indicted.
“As far as I can see, there are no other file numbers pending for this Defendant,” Braswell told The Salty Soldier. “25CR232787-660 is still pending at the District Court level because it has not been indicted by the District Attorney’s office yet.”
In practical terms, that means prosecutors have not yet taken the step typically required to move a serious felony case toward trial.
The military side of the case remains equally unclear.
A review of the Navy-Marine Corps Court Filings & Records database found no publicly listed court-martial proceedings involving Melton.
When contacted by The Salty Soldier, Marine Corps officials confirmed Melton was serving on active duty at the time of his February 2025 arrest but stated he is no longer serving in the Marine Corps.
“Zayne Melton was serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps during February 2025,” Marine Corps officials said in a statement. “Mr. Melton is not currently serving in the Marine Corps.”
The Marine Corps declined to provide additional information regarding any investigation or administrative action, citing the Privacy Act.
In an effort to better understand the status of the case, The Salty Soldier also contacted Assistant District Attorney Lori Carroll, whom court officials identified as the prosecutor assigned to the matter.
Questions focused on whether the case remains under active review, whether an indictment has been sought, and what factors may have contributed to the extended delay.
Carroll acknowledged the inquiry and indicated the questions would likely be addressed through supervisory personnel. As of publication, the District Attorney’s Office has not responded.
The Salty Soldier also contacted Melton’s court-appointed attorney, Samuel Popkin. Popkin’s office confirmed he remains counsel of record for Melton. Questions regarding whether the defense has raised concerns about the length of time Melton has remained incarcerated while the case remains unindicted were left with the office. No response had been received as of publication.
As a result, significant questions remain unanswered.
While the allegations against Melton generated widespread attention when they were first announced, public records show that more than a year later he remains incarcerated, no indictment has been returned, and no trial date has been set.
The charges against Melton remain allegations. Melton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
© 2026 The Salty Soldier. All rights reserved.
