In 2008, Melgren prosecuted the tax avoidance firm Renaissance, The Tax People for defrauding its clients out of at least $84 million, and secured a twenty-five year sentence against the firm's founder, Michael C. Cooper.[3] Cooper escaped and had been an international fugitive until he was caught in 2010.[4]
Federal judicial service
Melgren was nominated by President George W. Bush on July 23, 2008, to fill a seat in the District of Kansas vacated by Judge Monti Belot.[5] He was confirmed by the United States Senate by a voice vote on September 26, 2008, and received his commission on October 6, 2008. He became chief judge on December 1, 2021.[6]