Switz. Co man convicted of burglary, criminal confinement

Suspect could spend decades in prison

(RISING SUN, Ind.)  – A 39-year-old man from Patriot has been convicted of holding a homeowner captive during a robbery, according to Dearborn and Ohio County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens. 

Prosecutors say Melvin Moyers Jr. broke into a home on Mexico Ridge Road in 2022 and was confronted by the homeowner while robbing the place. 

Moyers allegedly attacked the homeowner and confined the victim three different times over the course of four hours. The victim eventually was able to escape and flee to a neighbor's house. 

On Tuesday, an Ohio County jury found Moyers guilty of numerous charges including burglary, criminal confinement, theft and battery. 

The lead charge he was convicted of, Burglary Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, carries a sentence of 20 to 40 years. 

Additionally, two sentencing enhancements were filed for having a firearm as a felon, and his previous criminal history.

“These two enhancements alone can add up to 40 additional years at the Indiana Department of Corrections on top of the underlying convictions,” Deddens said. 

Deddens said that this case was frightening and disturbing on many levels. 

"There was no connection between Movers Jr. and the victim. Moyers Jr. saw an opportunity to steal items from a citizen of Ohio County and when confronted, beat the homeowner resulting in him going unconscious and caused extreme pain. The Indiana State Police along with the Ohio County Sheriff's Department and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources did a great job in gathering evidence to secure a conviction," said Deddens.