Isaac Melder, who was arrested last year after being found in a cave living with and having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old runaway has pled guilty to federal charges.
May 2022 authorities were alerted about a 14-year-old girl believed to be a missing runaway juvenile, authorities located the juvenile girl in June when searching rural areas in Marion County.
The female juvenile and Isaac Melder, a then 40-year old were discovered living in a cave that was stocked with provisions according to authorities.
Authorities say this was not the first inappropriate relations between the two, Melder was suspected in aiding the runaway juvenile.
Melder’s only pled guilty to the federal charge of Enticement to a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity.
Melder has pled not guilty to other charges from Baxter County and Marion County.
Those charges include multiple counts of Sexual Indecency with a Child.