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Officer arrested on child molestation charge
Conyers officer on paid leave after arrest in Newton County
Melissa Ann Stanton
Conyers police Sgt. Melissa Ann Stanton, of Covington, was arrested Thursday, May 17, 2018, at the Newton County Sheriff's Office. She surrendered on charges of child molestation and felony sexual battery, then posted bond the same day.

COVINGTON, Ga. – Investigators with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Conyers police sergeant on child molestation charges two weeks ago after an April complaint, authorities said.

According to NCSO booking records, Melissa Ann Staton, of 115 Sagebrush Trail, Covington, was arrested May 17 on charges of child molestation and felony sexual battery. She bonded out the same day.

An NCSO incident report states that the complainant contacted the Sheriff’s Office by phone April 24 and told a deputy her ex-wife had molested a juvenile relative.

The alleged abuse took place in Newton County between June 1 and Aug. 1, 2017.

Conyers police spokesperson Sgt. Kim Lucas told The Covington News that Staton has been placed on paid administrative leave while the department conducts its own internal investigation as well as waiting for the outcome of the of criminal case.