January 27, 2026 – 2:11 p.m.
ONEIDA, Wis. (WFRV) – The fourth adult charged in a chronic child neglect case, leaving a teenager near death at just 35 pounds in Outagamie County, was arraigned on January 22.
Court records show that 51-year-old Melissa Goodman appeared in court via video while in custody for her arraignment, as she pleaded not guilty.
A pre-trial conference was set for March 18 at 1:15 p.m.
UPDATE: Fourth adult charged in Oneida child neglect case involving 35-pound teen has bond set at $150,000
November 15, 2025 – 4:30 p.m.
ONEIDA, Wis. (WFRV) – The fourth adult charged in a chronic child neglect case, leaving a teenager near death at just 35 pounds in Outagamie County, was in court for her initial hearing on November 13.
Court records show that 50-year-old Melissa Goodman appeared in court via video while in custody for her initial appearance, where she requested an attorney. Her cash bond was set at $150,000.
The court ruled that she can not directly or indirectly interfere with any witnesses or victims in the case. She is set for further proceedings on November 20 at 9 a.m.
This story will be updated with the latest details on Goodman’s court proceedings as they become available.
Fourth adult charged in Outagamie County case involving 35-pound teenager
November 13, 2025 – 4:20 p.m.
ONEIDA, Wis. (WFRV) – A fourth adult allegedly involved in a chronic child neglect case that reportedly left a 14-year-old near death has been charged.
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A criminal complaint acquired by Local 5 alleges that 50-year-old Melissa Goodman was among the four adults charged and accused of negligence in her duty to provide necessary care to a child, leading to serious bodily harm.
An investigation reportedly led officials to the trailer home of Melissa Goodman and her husband, Walter, in Oneida on August 21. Melissa’s daughter, Savanna Lefever, and Kayla Stemler live in the trailer home and face charges as well.
According to the complaint, Walter called authorities on August 21, stating that the 14-year-old was throwing up and had been sick the last few days with extreme weight loss. Officers responded and noted the 14-year-old’s collarbone and other bones were prominent.
According to the complaint, the 14-year-old was taken to a hospital, where they weighed at just 35 pounds with a blood sugar of 24. There were reportedly no medical records for the past five years.
Text messages also allegedly showed the four adults saying derogatory things about the 14-year-old, referring to them as ‘dummy’ and ‘stupid.’
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Melissa is charged with the following:
- Three counts: chronic neglect of a child – consequence is great bodily harm
- Punishable by up to 25 years in prison
- Two counts: chronic neglect of a child – consequence is emotional damage
- Punishable by up to 15 years in prison
Local 5 will provide updates on all four cases as needed, as Melissa Goodman was set for an initial hearing on Thursday afternoon.
