Family plea to Oklahoma Attorney General leads to change of prosecution plans for sexual miscreant
- Dennis McCaslin
- Jul 21, 2025
- 2 min read
leads to change in prosecution plan againstle
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has assumed control of the prosecution against former Choctaw High School educator Samuel Melton, who faces multiple felony charges including rape by instrumentation, second-degree rape, sexual battery, and sodomy.
The charges stem from Melton’s alleged sexual relationship with a student, Avery Smith, which reportedly began when she was 16 years old.
Melton, who was employed by the school district at the time, confessed earlier this year to the relationship. The case was initially being handled by Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna’s office.
Drummond’s decision to intervene followed a formal request from the Smith family. In a letter dated July 3, the family urged the attorney general to take over the case, citing concerns about the gravity of the allegations and the need for high-level oversight. Drummond later met with the family to discuss their concerns.
“I will not tolerate predators in our schools,” Drummond said in a statement. “As a father and grandfather, I cannot imagine the damage this abuse has caused to Miss Smith and her family. I commend their courage in standing up to demand justice, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to deliver it.”
Smith, who has since graduated, reported the relationship to school officials earlier this year. Her decision to come forward has been praised by advocates and officials alike.
“I was honored that Attorney General Drummond met with me, took a personal interest and put his A-team into immediate action,” Smith said.
Her parents, Danny and Merissa Smith, also expressed gratitude: “We appreciate Attorney General Drummond for taking our concerns seriously and stepping in to fight for us. We are grateful he is advocating on behalf of our daughter to ensure that justice is served.”
Melton’s case will now proceed under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General’s office, which has pledged a thorough and aggressive prosecution.
