Oklahoma Choir Teacher Receives Record 42-Year Sentence for Raping Student
Samuel Melton's Guilty Plea to Multiple Sex Crimes Against 16-Year-Old Victim Sets Precedent in School Predator Cases
August 20, 2025 - KFOR News 4 Oklahoma
CHOCTAW, Okla. — Samuel Melton, a former choir teacher at Choctaw High School in the Choctaw-Nicoma Park School District, was sentenced to 42 years—17 years in prison followed by 25 years of probation—after pleading guilty to 15 counts of sex crimes against a student. The charges included four counts of first-degree rape by instrumentation, three counts of second-degree rape, four counts of sexual battery, and four counts of forcible oral sodomy. The abusive relationship began when the victim was 16 years old, and she has since graduated from the school.
The case was initially managed by the local District Attorney’s Office but was later taken over by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond at the request of the victim's family. Drummond emphasized the severity of the betrayal, stating in a direct quotation: “I will not tolerate predators in our schools. Anyone who preys on children should be punished as harshly as possible — especially those who have been entrusted with the education and care of our children. This teacher’s betrayal of that trust, and the abuse he inflicted on young Avery, is unconscionable.” He further noted, “The sentence handed down today is the longest ever for a sexual predator in our schools, and I am proud to deliver this strong measure of justice on behalf of Avery and her family. As a father and a grandfather, I cannot imagine the suffering she and her family have endured. I commend her courage, and I pray for her healing.”
Melton's plea deal was entered on Tuesday, marking a significant outcome in addressing educator misconduct. The case highlights ongoing concerns about child protection in schools, with Drummond's involvement underscoring a commitment to harsher penalties for such offenses.
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