Suspect connected to missing woman in custody

The man reportedly caught on surveillance video leaving a Manhattan club with a missing Brooklyn woman is still in police custody Monday for allegedly violating his probation. Michael Mele, 23, of Middletown,

News 12 Staff

Dec 9, 2008, 12:38 AM

Updated 5,708 days ago

Share:

The man reportedly caught on surveillance video leaving a Manhattan club with a missing Brooklyn woman is still in police custody Monday for allegedly violating his probation.
Michael Mele, 23, of Middletown, is being held in a Rockland County jail for allegedly violating his probation by drinking alcohol. He is also charged with failing to report to a probation officer. The registered sex offender was convicted in 2007 for masturbating on women at the Palisades Center Mall.
Laura Garza, 25, of Bay Ridge, went missing at around 4 a.m. last Wednesday after she came out of the Marquee nightclub in Chelsea.
Officials believe Mele could be involved in Garza's disappearance. Mele reportedly had bite marks on his hand and scratch marks on his neck when he turned himself in to authorities.
Mele's neighbors say they heard him vacuuming and saw him near the dumpster before police arrived at his apartment. State police have removed barrels of evidence from Mele's home and his parents' home. According to police, a shoe and an item resembling women's underwear have been found.
No charges in Garza's disappearance have been filed.
Mele is being held on $50,000 bail. Rockland County Police Detective Lt. William Barbera says Mele?s attorney will likely advise the family on whether to post bail or not. According to Barbera, if Mele is free on bail he could be picked up by state police for questioning in the Garza case.
Mele is due back in court Dec. 22.


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:08
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

2:04
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American