Friday, February 28, 2003
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Friday, February 28, 2003 |
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Humor columnist arrested for using Internet to 'entice' 13-year-old girl By JOHN MUNFORD A freelance humor columnist for The Citizen newspaper was arrested Wednesday afternoon on a charge of violating the computer pornography and child exploitation prevention act after police with a warrant searched his Peachtree City home and seized two computers. Billy Murphy, 45, of 209 Pebblestump Point, used the America Online Internet service to "seduce, lure and entice" the 13-year-old victim, according to warrants for his arrest. Murphy had been involved in "a ongoing, extended relationship" with the 13-year-old middle school student, police said. Further charges are pending, according to Peachtree City Police Chief James Murray. The report says that Murphy owns his own business. Police seized Murphy's computers, hard drive and other items which may eventually be used as evidence in the case, Murray said. Police are asking parents to speak with their children about the matter to determine if there are any more victims in the case. "We need them to come forward, anyone he may have come in contact with," Murray said. Murphy has appeared nearly every week in The Citizen for nearly a decade. His humor column in the Feb. 26 paper is about having an optimistic viewpoint in facing life. Murphy also wrote occasional columns for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We are all shocked and very saddened by this news," said publisher Cal Beverly. "While we rarely had any face-to-face contact with Billy at our office, receiving his work via e-mail, we all felt we knew him well through his weekly columns. This is just a sad thing for all involved." The initial investigation showed that Murphy and the girl may have exchanged images electronically, the chief said. The victim also lives in Peachtree City, Murray said, declining to reveal further details to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The act under which Murphy was charged makes it illegal for anyone to intentionally and willfully utilize a computer online service to attempt to seduce, lure and entice a child. The chief added that he did not believe Murphy came into contact with the victim through his former position as a youth minister. He declined to name the church involved. Murray said the department actively investigates complaints of online predators who target children. "We will request prosecution to the fullest extent of the law," Murray said. The victim and her parents were cooperating with the police investigation, Murray said. "We will be diligently investigating this," Murray said. Fayette County Magistrate Robert A. Ruppenthal set Murphy's bond at $10,000 Wednesday afternoon. Murphy must refrain from any contact with the victim and enroll in a program for psycho-sexual counseling, according to the conditions of that bond.
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