May 19, 2026:
A Brookings man is sentenced to 30 years in the state penitentiary for abusing his 3-month old daughter.
Bailey D. Melchor was arrested in October 2025 after police were dispatched to the Brookings Emergency Room for a report of an infant with broken ribs, internal bleeding and a possible brain bleed.
Brookings Police interviewed Melchor — the child’s father — who admitted to throwing, choking, squeezing and slapping the infant. Because of the severity of the baby’s injuries, the child was transferred to a Sioux Falls hospital for treatment.
Melchor subsequently pled guilty to a Aggravated Battery on an Infant, three counts of Aggravated Assault, and one count of Abuse or Cruelty to a Minor Under Age 7.
On May 19, 2026, Circuit Court Judge Abigail Howard sentenced Melchor to 30 years in the state penitentiary.
In a written statement, Brookings County State’s Attorney Dan Nelson said, “The investigation into how Mr. Melchor assaulted and abused this infant was truly horrific. We insisted he enter a guilty plea to every injury he inflicted on the infant victim. I think the Judge’s judgment of 30 years in prison reflects the violent and seriousness of his conduct. Due to the change in law, he will not parole prior to serving the 30 years. We hope and pray for the victim’s continued recovery. These types of cases require tireless work and dedication, so I appreciate law enforcement’s effort and my staff and their focus and commitment to ensuring justice was pursued.”
Story courtesy of news partner Brookings Radio.
October 16, 2026:
Police arrest a 19-year old Brookings man for infant abuse.
The initial report of suspected child abuse was called in Tuesday (Oct. 14, 2025) afternoon. Brookings Police said they began an investigation and found that Bailey D. Melchor had subjected his three-month old daughter to abuse by allegedly throwing, striking, squeezing and choking her.
Police arrested Melchor and charged him with felony abuse or cruelty to a minor under age seven, as well as felony aggravated battery of an infant. Brookings County State’s Attorney Dan Nelson added three counts of aggravated assault in addition to the felony child abuse and aggravated battery charges. Nelson said Melchor appeared in Brookings County Court this morning (Oct. 16) before Judge Bob Pesall, and bond was set at $10,000. The state’s attorney office said they had argued for a higher bond, but the judge denied that request.
The infant was taken to Brookings Hospital, then transferred to a Sioux Falls hospital where she is being treated for a possible brain hemorrhage and multiple rib fractures.
As of this morning (Oct. 16), Melchor was listed as an inmate at the Brookings County Detention Center.
Brookings police say they are continuing to investigate.
Story and booking photo courtesy of news partner Brookings Radio.
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