ICYMI: Danvers Officer's Attacker Appeal Rejected

DANVERS, MA – Roy Limbaugh, formerly of Danvers, will remain in prison. Limbaugh's appeal to overturn his 2011 charges – which include armed assault with intent to murder – was rejected on Tuesday by the Massachusetts Appeal Court.

Limbaugh, who is a Level 3 sex offender, was charged after he attacked Danvers Police Officer John Melto on Aug. 19, 2011, according to a statement from Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett's office. Limbaugh, now 63, attacked Melto with a box cutter or razor, cutting the officer's throat and hands. Melto had gone to Limbaugh's residence to arrest him on two warrants.

Limbaugh was charged with failure to register as a sex offender, armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, causing serious bodily injury, assault and battery on a public employee, and resisting arrest.

"On appeal, Limbaugh argued that the admission of his videotaped interrogation was highly prejudicial, that the trial judge abused his discretion in admitting testimony and photographs relating to a box cutter and razor that were found in the defendant’s car, but not used in the incident, and that the prosecutor made improper statements in his closing argument," said the statement.

Limbaugh also argued that the judge did not properly instruct the jury on the charge of failure to register as a sex offender, and claimed his counsel did not effectively assist him.

“I am sure today’s decision brings a sense of relief to Officer Melto and his family," said Danvers Police Chief Patrick Ambrose in a statement. "I know that every member of the Danvers Police Department is grateful for this outcome, and the community as a whole can feel safe knowing that this individual will remain in custody."

Limbaugh is currently serving a 24-26 year sentence in state prison. Melto is still listed as an officer with the Danvers Police Department.

Photo courtesy of the Danvers Police Department