2015-03-13

MUNCIE, Ind. (March 12, 2015)– A retired Ball State University professor is facing charges of child molestation and child solicitation, according to Muncie police.

Melvin Lee Sharpe, 78, is accused of sexually abusing a boy over several years. The victim claims the assaults began when he was seven and continued for five years.

Court documents show that Sharpe would shower with the victim, telling the boy he was doing this to “show him how to wash himself.” Sharpe would try to force the victim to clean around his genital area and apply lotion to the area.

Sharpe also allegedly would sleep with the victim and digitally penetrate him.

Sharpe told police that he “had nothing to hide.”

Sharpe is currently out on bond. He retired from Ball State University in 2007.

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