Atlantic City Man Faces Prison After Guilty Plea in Jail Assault, Drug Case

An Atlantic City man is facing a decade behind bars in connection with two different crimes in two different years.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office says on Thursday, 51-year-old Melvin Bishop pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted sexual assault and third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Cocaine Possession at Tropicana in 2023

On May 9th, 2023, Atlantic City Police Department officers were called to Tropicana in reference to a defiant trespasser, identified as Bishop. He was arrested at the scene, and cops discovered he was in possession of cocaine.

• READ MORE: Thousands Used to Park Here for Atlantic City's Casinos, Now it's Empty

Attempted Sexual Assault at County Jail in 2024

On November 26th, 2024, while detained in the Atlantic County Justice Facility in Hamilton Township, officials said Bishop entered the nurse's office for a medical exam. While there, he made sexual advances towards the victim, chasing her and ripping at her clothing in an effort to sexually assault her.

The victim was able to hide until law enforcement officers arrived and arrested Bishop.

Sentencing Details and Megan's Law Requirements

Bishop's plea calls for a sentence of ten years in state prison with an 8 1/2 year period of parole ineligibility. He will also be required to register as a Megan's Law offender, and he will be under parole supervision for life.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 6th.