Already charged with blackmailing two young women for sex, an 18-year-old Aurora man could be facing additional charges as police delve into new evidence in the case.
Aurora police are continuing to investigate additional possible victims based on evidence found on Max Melgar’s cellular phone, which was seized last month following his initial arrest.
“Although no one else has come forward, we haven’t ruled out the possibility of further victims based on the investigation so far,” said Aurora Police Department spokesman Dan Ferrelli.
Melgar turned 18 on Jan. 2. Over the weekend, he was charged as an adult with felony intimidation and attempted sexual assault for allegedly blackmailing a 20-year-old Aurora woman for sex. He said he would post nude photos of her on the Internet if she didn’t agree to have sex with him.
The woman told police she had intercourse with Melgar on at least 15 occasions, and had given him $500 under the agreement that he not post nude pictures of her to social media.
Police said the victim had previously sent the photos to Melgar.
Charges were also filed against Melgar in January for allegedly posing the same threat to another victim, police said.
The 18-year-old woman called police on Jan. 27 to report that an unknown man was sending her text messages threatening to post nude photos of her on the Internet if she did not meet him for sex. Instead of going along with the suspect’s request, the victim contacted police, who set up a meeting with the man who had texted the threat.
Melgar was arrested in an Aurora parking lot when he arrived to meet the victim for sex.
Police said Melgar was wearing a mask to protect his identity. He was charged with felony intimidation and resisting a peace officer after he ran from police.
Like the 20-year-old victim, the woman told police she knew Melgar and had previously sent him nude photos.
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“Anyone who was possibly victimized by Melgar, or may know of someone who was, should call investigators,” Ferrelli said. Aurora police investigators can be reached at 630-256-5500.