On 7 November 2025, Melvin "Shotgun” Holder, Age 57, a resident of Swainsboro, had an arrest warrant issued by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office: CID (Criminal Investigation Division).
Holder is being charged with two (2) counts of Georgia Code § 16-6-4 Felony, Child Molestation, and one (1) count of Georgia Code § 16-7-1, Felony Burglary.
This is in reference to a twelve (12) year old confidential victim and confidential twelve (12) year old witness.
This arrest originated from information obtained by the CID on October 28, 2025. An investigation was immediately initiated, and the CID worked tirelessly over the past several days gathering information. Once the evidence and facts were gathered, arrest warrants were issued for the suspect, Melvin Holder.
The investigation revealed that on October 18, 2025, Holder entered the victims residence without permission at which time he held one of the twelve (12) year old victims and proceeded to sexually molest the second twelve (12) year old victim.
On November 7, 2025, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office enlisted the help from Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office to locate and arrest Holder. They worked throughout the day and were able to locate and arrest him without incident. He was transported to the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. Investigator Troy Fallin and Investigators from the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for Melvin Holders residence.
“No child should ever have to experience something so terrible. Our duty is not only to bring offenders to justice, but to stand with the victims and their families every step of the way. I’m thankful for the teamwork and professionalism shown by Sheriff Brewer and the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office CID. Together, we made sure this suspect could no longer harm another child,” said Johnson County Sheriff Greg Rowland.
At present time, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this matter, or any similar incident, is strongly encouraged to contact Criminal Investigations Division--Investigator Troy Fallin-- at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office by calling 478-864-4003 or contact the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office at 478-237-7526.
