Army vet pleads not guilty to sexual abuse allegations

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Retired Army reservist Michael Barry Murphy, who allegedly sexually abused a minor in 2016, pleaded not guilty to both sexual assault charges made against him.

During an arraignment hearing yesterday, the 56-year-old Murphy offered a plea of not guilty to the charges of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree and sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree charged against him.

Murphy was represented by public defender Heather Zona after Superior Court Presiding Judge Robert Naraja found him to be indigent.

A status conference for Murphy is set for March 12, at 1:30pm.

Murphy was charged by the government after allegedly sexually abusing a then 4-year-old child.

According to court information, on or about Aug. 6, 2016, Murphy allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a minor child who was 4 at the time.

Murphy is currently released after posting a $50,000 bond.

In a previous article on Saipan Tribune, there was another pending sexual abuse of a minor case filed against Murphy.

In the pending case, the government charges Murphy with two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree and one count of indecent exposure in the first degree.

The incident allegedly happened from 1994 to 2004 when the victim was a minor. The victim would now be 28 years old.

Kimberly Bautista Esmores | Reporter
Kimberly Bautista Esmores has covered a wide range of news beats, including the community, housing, crime, and more. She now covers sports for the Saipan Tribune. Contact her at kimberly_bautista@saipantribune.com.
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