This incident revolves around the arrest of Yordy Centeno Melchor, a 31-year-old Mexican national with a history of five prior deportations from the United States. Melchor was apprehended on charges of second-degree attempted kidnapping after an alleged incident involving a 17-year-old girl in the parking lot of a store in Holtsville, Alabama, on New Year’s Eve. Sheriff Bill Franklin of Elmore County reported that Melchor seemingly attempted to coax the girl towards his vehicle while she was handling a shopping cart. A bystander, noticing the girl’s apparent distress, intervened, prompting Melchor to flee the scene.
Following the incident, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation, issuing a be-on-the-lookout alert and obtaining a search warrant for Melchor’s phone. Upon examining the phone’s contents, investigators discovered a note detailing Melchor’s intentions, which included offering the girl $200. While the exact timing of the note remains unclear, authorities believe Melchor may have shown it to the victim during the encounter. Surveillance footage provided by the store aided investigators in identifying Melchor’s vehicle and obtaining his license plate number.
Days later, in a neighboring county approximately 30 miles north of Elmore County, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle matching the description provided by witnesses. A check of the vehicle’s license plate confirmed it as the suspect vehicle, and the driver, identified as Melchor, matched the suspect’s description. This led to Melchor’s arrest and subsequent positive identification, along with confirmation of his five prior deportations. Sheriff Franklin emphasized the ongoing cooperation between his office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in this case.
The investigation subsequently uncovered additional information about Melchor. A local woman, having seen Melchor’s mugshot following his arrest, reported seeing a man matching his description in the women’s restroom of a Walmart store. Authorities are investigating this report and exploring the possibility of additional charges if other victims are identified. Melchor has known ties to San Antonio, Texas, and Shelby County, Alabama, and it is believed he frequently travelled between these locations to visit family.
Sheriff Franklin commended his officers for their dedication to maintaining the safety of Elmore County. He noted the relative rarity of such crimes within their jurisdiction, emphasizing the importance of this arrest in maintaining public safety. The investigation continues, with authorities working to piece together the details leading to Melchor’s five previous deportations and exploring the possibility of additional victims. The $100,000 bond set for Melchor reflects the seriousness of the charges against him.
This case highlights the ongoing complexities and challenges surrounding immigration enforcement and border security in the United States. Melchor’s history of five deportations raises questions about the effectiveness of current immigration policies and procedures. The incident also underscores the importance of community vigilance and law enforcement cooperation in identifying and apprehending individuals who pose a threat to public safety. The discovery of the note on Melchor’s phone, detailing his intentions, provides crucial evidence in this case and highlights the value of digital forensics in criminal investigations. The continued investigation and potential for additional charges underscore the commitment of law enforcement to hold Melchor accountable for his alleged actions.
