Las Cruces Judge Indicted On Felony Criminal Charges
Judge Mike Murphy of the Third Judicial District Court in Las Cruces, New Mexico is facing criminal felony charges.
A Doa Ana County grand jury indicted Murphy on four counts. Among the third degree felonies: demanding or receiving a bribe; bribery of a public officer or employee; bribing, intimidating or retaliation against a witness. Murphy was also charged with criminal solicitation, a fourth degree felony.
The news was confirmed at about 9:35 Friday night by special prosecutor Matt Chandler, the District Attorney in Clovis, New Mexico.
ABC-7 called Murphy’s attorney for comment regarding the allegations. Murphy’s attorney Michael Stout issued the following statement: “Judge Murphy is looking forward to continuing serving on the bench. Whether it be today or in the future, an innocent man will be vindicated. He will continue serving on the bench, I am confident of that.”
A source close to the investigation told ABC-7 Judge Murphy has not presided over a criminal case for about a month and a half.
Prosecutors did not specify when the alleged bribery took place. They did not identify the witness who was allegedly bribed or intimidated, either.
Prosecutors will now prepare for a criminal trial against Murphy. The next step is an arraignment date for the embattled district judge. Murphy was appointed to the Third Judicial Court in Las Cruces in 2006 by then-governor Bill Richardson.
