McMinn County, Tennessee, woman charged with 23 counts related to sexual contact with minors

A McMinn County, Tennessee woman turned herself in Tuesday night after being charged with nearly two dozen counts related to sexual contact with minors.

The charges include 18 counts of aggravated rape. Nine victims are believed to be involved, and authorities suspect there may be more, according to a news release from the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office.

Melissa A. Blair, 38, of Englewood, also faces four counts of human trafficking by promoting prostitution and one count of soliciting a minor. Bail was set at $100,000, which Blair’s attorney said she would post, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. The case will go to McMinn County Criminal Court.

“This type of case is difficult and shocking even for seasoned detectives, and I would like to commend our staff for the many hours spent identifying, locating and interviewing victims and their families, collecting physical and electronic evidence, as well as the many days spent putting together the search warrant and the case file,” McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy said in the statement. “But more importantly, we want to offer support and resources to victims and their relatives as we move forward.”

Guy said his office received a referral from the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services on Dec. 9 accusing Blair of having sex with teenage males who were students at McMinn Central High School. An investigation began immediately, he said, and as the interviews progressed, additional information came to light, along with additional victims.

On December 15, detectives from the Sheriff’s Office attended Blair’s residence and spoke with the suspect, which was quickly followed by the execution of a search warrant at the residence. A letter from McMinn County Schools Superintendent Lee Parkison was also served on Blair, barring him from school property or any school activity.

“The search warrant revealed additional evidence, and our investigation has expanded as more relatives and victims contacted us,” Guy said. “We were finally able to present the case to the grand jury on February 15, after which the indictments were issued.”

Guy said the incidents in question occurred from spring 2020 to late 2021. He said seven of the victims were still minors.

“We suspect there may be other child victims, and we encourage them or their parents to contact us,” the sheriff said in the news release. “There may be other victims who are now adults, and we encourage them to contact us as well. with them.”

Guy thanked Parkinson and District Attorney General Steve Crump and his office for their assistance.

“We all share a common desire for the safety and well-being of our schools and our students,” Guy said.

— Compiled by Lew Gilliland