Bed Ridden Male Indicted on Sex Charges, July 21

News release from Newport PD. On July 9, 2015, Newport Police Officers began an investigation regarding alleged sexual abuse reported by adult employees of Mahlon “Mel” Blose, age 67 of South Beach. The investigation revealed that Blose, who is bedridden, would hire caregivers through craigslist, offering them room and board, a phone, and food as salary. It was further reported Blose would inappropriately touch, and cause the caregivers to inappropriately touch him, in a sexual manner, threatening they would be fired and kicked off the property if they did not do as instructed. On July 12, 2015, Newport Police Officers executed a search warrant at Blose’s residence in South Beach. Officers seized multiple computers, computer equipment, photos, cameras, published child pornography, evidence of trading in child pornography, and multiple pornographic photographs and negatives. At the time, due to his medical condition, Blose was cited and released on the charges of Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the 1st Degree, Subjecting Another to Involuntary Servitude in the 2nd Degree, Trafficking in Persons, Conspiracy, and Harassment. His fines were set at $515,000.00. On July 17th, 2015 a felony indictment warrant was issued for Blose’s arrest. He was taken into custody, and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges: Trafficking in Persons, three counts; Criminal Conspiracy, two counts; Involuntary Servitude 2nd Degree, three counts; Sexual Abuse 1st Degree, three counts; Sexual Abuse 3rd Degree, three counts; Encouraging Child Sex Abuse 2nd Degree; Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or who may have worked as a caregiver for Blose, is asked to contact Officer Brad Purdom at 541-265-4849. The Newport Police Tip line may be contacted at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856.