Dec 9, 2008 7:43 pm US/Eastern
Sex Offender Tight-Lipped As He Faces Judge
Laura Garza, A 25-Year-Old Aspiring Dancer, Missing Nearly A Week; Last Seen With Suspect Michael Mele In NYC
NEWBURGH, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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Police are now narrowing their search for 25-year-old Laura Garza to Rockland County after apprehending a potential suspect in the case.
CBS
The suspect in the disappearance on a woman from a New York City nightclub is behind bars, but not charged with any new crime.
CBS 2 HD has learned more about the convicted sex offender who police believe was the last person to see Laura Garza, who vanished nearly a week ago.
Michael Mele was hauled before a judge Tuesday in Orange County, as investigators continued to search for the missing woman.
The 23-year-old sex offender offered a terse no comment as he was hauled into court for violating his probation. Mele is lawyered up and refusing to cooperate with police.
Mele's family, including his father William, a retired Metropolitan Transportation Authority police deputy chief, came and left without commenting.
Mele seems to have been in a downward spiral since October when he missed an appointment with his probation officer. Then in November he failed to attend three mandatory sex offender counseling sessions.
The Orange County probation commissioner refused comment when asked why Mele was still on the street. On Tuesday, New York State troopers again searched for signs of Garza along Interstate 84 and other locations.
State police continue to analyze evidence taken from Mele's home and car. They're ready to build a circumstantial case since Mele won't cooperate.
"Legally, he has no obligation to speak with us," Lt. Pierce Gallagher said. "I don't know if morally I can say the same thing."
In Texas, the missing woman's mother and brother haven't given up hope that the 25-year-old aspiring dancer is still alive.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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