(PA)
ABC 27 [Harrisburg, PA]
September 10, 2025
By Jared Weaver
A pastor entered a plea Monday on charges stemming from a human trafficking investigation at a central Pennsylvania massage parlor.
Online court records show Stephen Melton, 66, of Mechanicsburg, pleaded “nolo contendere” to trafficking in individuals – Recruit/entice/etc. Labor Servitude and guilty of patronizing prostitutes charges.
A “nolo contendere” plea means that the defendant does not admit guilt, but he waives his right to a trial and accepts whatever penalty he is given.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 21, court records show.
Melton visited GL Massage Spa close to 70 times over a five-month period, court documents filed by the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office show.
Melton claimed he was concerned about the employees being trafficked, and he would bring them flowers, food, and clothing, according to the charging documents. He also told investigators that it was convenient for him to go there before he went to work.
Investigators said Melton later admitted to paying for sex with a worker.
At the time, investigators said Melton was a pastor for Big Spring Presbyterian Church in Newville, which is about 15 minutes away from the parlor.
Dozens of individuals have been arrested in human trafficking sting operations at Cumberland County businesses in recent years.