How Could You? Hall of Shame-Melanie Friend

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Wyandotte, Oklahoma, teacher and foster parent, Melanie Friend, was charged with “one count of child sexual abuse after allegedly having inappropriate relations with her foster child.

On August 18, a woman identified as Melanie Friend went to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office but refused to speak with a deputy, according to court documents.

The sheriff’s office requested a detective who specializes in child abuse and sex crimes come and speak with her.

When the detective arrived, she asked her if she wanted to speak privately with her, and she agreed. Her brother and a friend were with her as well.

Friend told the detective that she didn’t know where to begin or what to say, so the detective asked her if something had happened to her and when it took place.

The detective said she still seemed to be very emotional, crying and upset, but told her it happened about a year ago.

The detective asked her if she was needed to make a report and if there was any reason to have a sexual assault exam done. She said there wasn’t.

Friend then went on to tell the detective that it was an incident between her and her 16-year-old foster son. The detective told her that she could leave at any time, could stop speaking with her, and had the right to an attorney.

She agreed to continue.

The detective asked Friend if she was an Indian or if the teen was, and she told her that her foster child is Cherokee. She also told the detective that the incident took place at her home in Wyandotte.

The detective asked for the others in the room to leave when she read Friend a standard Miranda Warning.

Friend agreed to continue.

During the interview, she told the detective that the two of them had been flirtatious with each other, and it eventually led to sexual intercourse in June 2025. Friend stated that both of them consented and that it hadn’t happened again.

Friend admitted that she would spend a lot of time in the teen’s room, playing video games or watching movies.

She also admitted that she had sexual relations with another teen, who was 17-years-old at the time.

The detective stepped out of the room to contact an assistant district attorney and DHS.

When she returned, she arrested Friend for child sexual abuse.

Friend’s husband told investigators that he had never caught them doing anything inappropriate, but was aware she was spending time in his room at night.

Statement from Turkey Ford School District

The superintendent of Turkey Ford School District, where Friend is employed, on Tuesday reiterated that the allegations do not involve a student with the district.

Superintendent Julia Howard also stated that the school district is fully cooperating with law enforcement and will take action as necessary.”

Ottawa County teacher charged with child sexual abuse involving foster child

[KOAM 8/20/26 by Payton Williams]

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