(June 28, 2024) — During the month of May 2024, law enforcement conducted an undercover operation posing as a twelve-year-old boy. While on Kik messenger, a male contacted the agent, who was posing as the twelve-year-old boy. The agent’s profile picture identified them as a minor. The man that contacted the agent had a profile picture that displayed half his head and face. The male was later identified as Stephen Murphy (DOB 07/31/1967), who resides at 3890 SE 7th Place in Cape Coral, Florida.
Murphy reached out and commented on the agent’s profile picture stating, “look a bit young thought I’d say hi”. The agent informed Murphy that they were twelve years old. Murphy later asked the agent for a naked picture. The conversation went on for several weeks, and Murphy sent naked photos of himself to the agent. Murphy also engaged in a pattern of communication that included explicit and detailed verbal descriptions of sexual activity.
Detectives authored a search warrant that was served on Murphy’s home. During the execution of the search warrant, Detectives also located trafficking amounts of suspected narcotics.
Stephen Murphy was arrested and charged with the following:
–1 count in violation of F.S.S. 847.0135(3a), Using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure child by misrepresenting age
–1 count in violation of F.S.S. 847.0138(2), Transmit information harmful to minors
–2 counts in violation of F.S.S. 893.135(1c1), Drug trafficking
Arrested: Stephen Murphy (DOB: 07/31/1967, 3890 SE 7th Place, Cape Coral)
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