(Brookings Radio – Brookings, SD) 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.”
