A Melinda Chance Lee, 60, will spend the next 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated child abuse, prosecutors said. She received the maximum sentence and will serve time at Tutwiler Women’s Prison.
The case began in 2022 when the Covington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report at an Andalusia hospital involving a 6-year-old girl showing signs of severe abuse and malnutrition. The child was later transferred to USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital for extensive treatment.
Investigators, with help from the Child Advocacy Center, interviewed both the victim and her 9-year-old sister. The interviews revealed horrific abuse, including:
Hot sauce or alcohol poured into the victim’s eyes
Burns caused by overheated rice socks taped to her body
Beatings with a belt
Confinement in a dog cage in a closet
Forced sleep on a bare laundry room floor
Severe malnourishment
Search warrants executed at Lee’s home recovered items identified by the girls as abuse instruments. Officials noted that Lee was a repeat offender with prior arrests and DUI convictions.
During interrogation, Lee reportedly described the abuse “with a smile and through laughter,” claiming the children’s behavior justified her actions. Lt. Investigator Joey Cato called her behavior “pure evil” and noted she showed no remorse until she realized she would go to jail.
Lee attempted to withdraw her guilty plea but was denied, leading to her sentencing. District Attorney Walt Merrell described her conduct as “as evil as it gets,” emphasizing that there is no place in society for someone who preys on children.
Both sisters have since been adopted and are reported to be “thriving,” according to Chief Assistant District Attorney Nikki Stephens, who praised their courage in helping secure a strong case against Lee.
