A Superior man who lured teenage girls to his apartment with cigarettes and alcohol and then made sexual advances on them will spend the next six years on probation.
Darrel Duyea Murphy, 51, pleaded guilty to felony counts of third-degree sexual assault and causing a child to view sexual conduct, two misdemeanor counts of intentionally contributing to the delinquency of a child and one misdemeanor count of telephone harassment in Douglas County Circuit Court in October. A felony charge of fourth-degree sexual assault was dismissed, but read in for sentencing.
Judge George Glonek sentenced Murphy on Friday to six years' probation. The sentence includes nine months' jail, orders to undergo chemical dependency and sex offender evaluations and follow recommendations, have no contact with the victims or any non-relative teen girl. He also must register as a sex offender and pay fines of more than $300 plus court costs.
Glonek spoke of Murphy's pattern of grooming and manipulation.
"The conduct itself is troubling -- a 50-year-old person providing teenage victims with alcohol and tobacco, ultimately leading to unwanted sexual conduct," the judge said.
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The Superior man preyed on a number of underage girls, impacting not only them, but the community, said District Attorney Dan Blank. The sentence, a joint recommendation by prosecution and defense, "should give the community a sense of security and safety for many years to come."
Although Murphy's lack of criminal record was a factor in his favor, Glonek said he was not convinced the Superior man was accepting responsibility for his actions. The lengthy probation sentence, he said, was appropriate to protect the community.
Glonek also added incentive for Murphy to change his ways. The judge imposed and stayed an eight-year prison sentence with four years of initial confinement and four years of extended supervision. If Murphy breaks any of the conditions of his probation, he will be sent to prison without going back to court.
