The man who was found living in a cave with a 14-year-old female and was charged with sexual indecency, has had his sentencing date set and could be facing life in prison.
This arrest originally took place in June of last year, 2022, after Isaac James Melder, 42 of Yellville, was found with a 14-year-old girl who had been reported missing in May of the same year. Further investigation of the situation revealed a cave well-stocked with food and comfort items that would have allowed the pair to live isolated from the world for a long period of time.
This was not the first time the girl had attempted to run away with Melder, and an exhaustive search was performed for the girl before she was eventually found in the cave with Melder.
The sentencing date for Melder has been scheduled for February 6th, where he could face fines as high as $250,000, as well as a life sentence in prison.
