The Howell County Prosecuting Attorney requested a special investigation into misconduct within the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted the investigation after allegations surfaced against multiple deputies, including Thomas R. Manning, John D. “J.D.” Melvin, and Captain Michael G. McCoy.
Allegations Against Deputy Manning
The investigation began after reports that Deputy Thomas R. Manning, a former West Plains Police Officer, groped women during traffic stop searches. Manning has served full‑time with the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office since January 1, 2025.
Multiple women provided consistent statements alleging Manning groped their breasts, touched their genitals, and made sexualized remarks. None of the alleged incidents were captured on video. Manning declined to be interviewed, citing advice from his attorney.
Victim Accounts:
- N.C., 37 — Alleged Manning groped her breasts during a May 11 traffic stop on U.S. 60. A second search, conducted after a Highway Patrol trooper arrived, was less intrusive and recorded on body camera.
- E.F., 39 — Reported Manning placed his hands under her bra, made skin‑to‑skin contact, and later touched her genitals during a search on Route FF.
- L.S., 42 — Stated she was stopped near Birch Tree on July 15. Manning allegedly directed her to expose and “shake out” her breasts, adjusted his pants in a sexual manner, and accessed her Google Photos account, commenting on private images.
- N.D., 39 — Reported being stopped in Winona on July 16. She alleged Manning touched her breasts and pressured her to expose herself further.
- S.C., 40 — Said she was searched on July 17 and described Manning deliberately fondling her breasts over clothing.
- T.M., 39 — Alleged Manning groped her breasts during a July 29 traffic stop on U.S. 60 while another officer laughed nearby.
- C.M., 42 — Reported an April 20 incident in rural Shannon County where Manning allegedly forced her to remove her shirt, leaving her in a bralette during arrest and booking. She stated Manning pressed his body against hers in his patrol vehicle and attempted to intimidate her.
Investigators documented multiple allegations between January 1 and July 29, 2025, all occurring while Manning was on duty.
Allegations Against Captain McCoy
During the investigation, allegations also surfaced against Captain Michael G. McCoy, a detective with the Sheriff’s Office since January 1, 2025.
- A former cellmate of inmate N.R. alleged N.R. had sexual intercourse with McCoy at the Sheriff’s Office and courthouse, showing bruises she claimed were from him.
- N.R. denied intercourse but admitted she took nude photos of herself at McCoy’s request using his work phone, which were later found on both his work and personal devices. She also stated McCoy asked her to touch him through clothing and made sexual comments.
- McCoy admitted N.R. touched him once through clothing and confirmed she took nude photos with his work phone, but denied transferring them or requesting the acts. He said he deleted the images.
- Forensic review of McCoy’s devices revealed cached nude images of N.R. on his work phone and identical images transferred to his personal phone via messaging and email.
- A phone recovered from N.R.’s mother contained McCoy’s business card and personal information.
Allegations Against Deputy Melvin
On June 7, 2025, Deputy John D. “J.D.” Melvin arrested D.B., 35, for harassment. Body camera footage later disproved Melvin’s claims that D.B. resisted arrest, attempted to flee, or tried to take his firearm. Evidence showed D.B. was assaulted during booking.
- In a July 22 interview, Melvin admitted D.B. had not assaulted him and that he did not author the probable cause affidavit charging D.B. with multiple felonies (Case No. 25AN‑CR00135). The affidavit contained fictitious information and a forged digital signature.
- Investigators determined Captain McCoy authored the document and affixed Melvin’s signature using Adobe Acrobat. A Sheriff’s Office computer containing McCoy’s digital signature was seized for forensic review. Writing analysis confirmed the statement matched McCoy’s style.
- The Prosecuting Attorney’s file contained a paper copy of the same statement, bearing original signatures of both McCoy and Melvin.
Manning faces seven counts of Sexual Misconduct in the Course of Public Duty, two counts of 1st degree Sexual Abuse, three counts of harassment 1st degree, and one count of Sodomy or attempted Sodomy 1st degree. Bond is set at $50,000.
McCoy is charged with one count of Sexual Misconduct in the Course of Public Duty and one count of Forgery his bond is $15,000.
Melvin is charged with one count of Forgery his bond is $15,000.
