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.

Back

to News Home Page | Back

to the top of the page