Former minister, age 72, sentenced for sexual assault of 10-year-old

ELIZABETHTOWN — Melvin Ray Williamson, age 72, is going to jail for between 12 years and 19 years, five months.

Williamson, a former minister and guidance counselor, was sentenced Monday in Superior Court here by Judge Henry L. Stevens. The defendant entered a guilty plea to statutory sex offense involving a 10-year-old.

Williamson was ordered to register as a sex offender for 30 years, and given a no contact order.

The Bladen Journal does not name or give information that connects to victims of sexual assault.