Jan 8, 2009

A 64-year-old Ava man has been arrested and charged with numerous sex charges, including child pornography. Douglas County Sheriff Chris Degase said Melvin J. Silvey is being held on $100,00 bond following his arrest earlier this week. Silvey is charged with first-degree statutory rape, first-degree statutory sodomy, first-degree child molestation, deviate sexual assault, and possession of child pornography. Degase said Silvey was charged after a search warrant was served at his home in the Girdner area and more than 100 pieces of evidence were confiscated, including guns and a home computer. The investigation, which followed a tip to officers, was conducted by deputies Atonya Hampton and James Verow. Sheriff Degase stresses that victims who are subjected to this type of crime should tell an adult. He also reminds residents that information can be shared with his office anonymously. In an unrelated case, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office recovered a large quantity of stolen property in Wright County which solves two Douglas County burglaries. Among the items recovered are five saddles and other miscellaneous farm equipment. Charges are pending in this case that was handled by deputies Vernon Johnson and Brad Loveless.