Assistant U. S. Attorney Alexandra Foster (619) 546-6735
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY– April 8, 2016
SAN DIEGO – James Murphy, a retiree living in San Diego, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for taking sexually explicit photographs of an 11-year-old boy at a Tijuana orphanage.
According to the plea agreement, Murphy, 63, traveled to Tijuana, Mexico from San Diego on November 19, 2015, supposedly to participate in humanitarian work at an orphanage in Mexico. While there, he took sexually explicit pictures of the boy and shared pornographic photos with him. These encounters occurred inside a motor home, which Murphy used as his sleeping quarters while staying at the orphanage in Mexico.
During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo admonished the defendant for stealing a child’s innocence - which he will never be able to regain. She added her concern that the defendant was preying on children for his own sexual satisfaction.
“For at least the next 15 years, children will be safe from the clutches of this predator,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. “We will do everything possible to protect vulnerable children wherever they may be.”
“Justice was served today as a serial child predator was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison,” said Dave Shaw, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “While we are satisfied and relieved with this sentencing, we will not forget the young victims now left with permanent emotional and physical scars. HSI will continue its tireless work with our law enforcement partners around the world to seek out and bring justice to those who mercilessly exploit children.”
DEFENDANT Case Number: 15CR3175-JM
James Murphy Age: 63
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count One
Use of a Child to Produce a Sexually Explicit Visual Depiction, in violation of Title 18, U.S. code Sec. 2251(c)(1).
AGENCY
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations