A Gainesville man is in the Hall County Jail following his arrest on multiple sex offenses related to an assault on a young girl.
Investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael Edwin Murphy, 43, on Wednesday, January 11.
“The investigation revealed Murphy sexually assaulted the child, a girl under the age of 16, and took multiple photos of the victim during the incident,” a news release from the sheriff’s office states.
The alleged incident occurred on Christmas Day last year at Murphy’s residence in the 3900 block of Price Road in northern Hall County. One of the victim’s family members reported the alleged crime to law enforcement two days later. Officials say Murphy was acquainted with the victim.
Investigators charged Murphy with sexual battery on a child under 16 and child molestation. In addition, he faces seven counts of sexual exploitation of children – one for each photo he created, officials say.
As of January 12, Murphy remained in the Hall County Jail with no bond. The sheriff’s office says its investigation is ongoing.
