While searching for Anchorage man, Kevin Mitchell on Saturday near mile 87.5 of the Seward Highway, troopers discovered another man dead in his vehicle about a half-mile from where Mitchell’s vehicle was discovered troopers report.

It was at approximately 11:40 am that troopers discovered a “Chevy Tahoe parked in the woods out of view from the Seward Highway,” trooper report. found dead of apparent suicide in the vehicle was 41-year-old Anchorage resident Joseph Melton.

Court records show that Melton was wanted on charges of Sexual Abuse of a Minor II and three counts of Violation of a Protective order. Those warrants were issued on September 22nd, court records show.

The Anchorage Police Department issued a press release asking the public’s assistance in finding Melton on Wednesday of last week. In that release, police described the incident that prompted the investigation into Melton.

The police report that Melton has sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl that had gone to a sleepover at a friend’s house where Melton was present. After the assault, Melton broke his cell phone to prevent the young girl from calling her parents. But, the girl reported the incident to other adults at the house as well as her parents.

The victim’s father applied for and received a stalking protective order against Melton after the incident. Melton would violate that order and meet with the young girl and bring her gifts.

It is unknown at this time if there are other victims, Anchorage Police said.

Troopers say that the discovery of the remains of Melton, and the search for Mitchell were unrelated.

The State Medical Examiner responded to the scene and took possession of Melton’s remains for autopsy.

Melton’s next of kin were notified of the discovery.

[smoothcategory catg_slug=”state”]

  Alaska, Anchorage, dead, deceased, joe, joseph, melton, minor, sewar highway, sexual abuse, suicide, warrants