Former Newville pastor arraigned on charges related to sex trafficking at massage parlors - WHP Harrisburg

[Alexa Southard, Yasmine Cowan]

NEWVILLE, Pa. (WHP) — Stephen Melton, a 65-year-old former pastor of Big Spring Presbyterian Church, appeared in court Monday morning for his formal arraignment on charges related to prostitution and human trafficking at GL Massage in Cumberland County.

Court documents allege that Melton admitted to receiving sexual acts from workers at GL Massage, naming a specific woman he visited multiple times a week for over a year. Melton also allegedly confessed to paying for sex, either upfront or afterward, so frequently that he could not recall the exact number of times he engaged in such activities.

The affidavit also states that Melton recognized the women at GL Massage as potential victims of human trafficking but continued to visit the parlor for sexual services. He reportedly chose GL Massage for its convenient location on his way home from church.

Although Melton entered the courtroom with a stern expression, his arraignment was conducted on paper, and he did not appear physically before a judge. His pre-trial conference is scheduled for May 12 at 1 p.m.