Missing kayaker found in Tift Co. after allegedly faked drowning; attempted to evade rape charges, police say

TIFTON, Ga. – According to our partners with the Tifton Grapevine Newsletter, an Oklahoma man who faked his drowning death on a Louisiana river in an apparent attempt to evade rape charges was arrested Sunday in Tift County, authorities say.

A Georgia State Patrol trooper in Tift County had attempted to stop a motorcycle for not having a license plate, but the motorcyclist fled and ultimately crashed. The motorcyclist tried to flee on foot but was captured and gave police a false name. Police later identified the man as Melvin Phillip Emde, 41, of Talihina, Okla.

Source: Tifton Grapevine Newsletter, St. Charles, La. Parish Sheriff’s Office

Emde had been reported missing by his son on Aug. 7 while kayaking on the Mississippi River in Hahnville, La., according to the St. Charles, La., Parish Sheriff’s Office.

While investigating the apparent drowning, sheriff’s detectives learned that Emde had pending charges of indecent liberties with a child and statutory rape of a child in North Carolina. His court date was scheduled one day after being reported missing, authorities said.

“We immediately became quite suspicious that this may have been a faked accidental drowning and death in order for Mr. Emde to escape charges in Brunswick County, N.C.,” said St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne in a statement.

“However, we could not publicly expose our suspicions for fear of tipping him off,” Champagne said.

Anyone with any information pertaining to the case is asked to contact Detective Joshua Deroche with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-783-6807, or jderoche@stcharlessheriff.org

By: FRANK SAYLES JR., Tifton Grapevine

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