Benton County Jail Administrator Accused of Statutory Rape

According to a facebook post from Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox on Saturday afternoon, Benton County Jail Administrator Nick Murphy was arrested on Friday morning and later charged with statutory rape or attempted statutory rape with a person less than 14.

“I feel it is my duty and obligation to keep you informed when it comes to your Sheriff’s Office. It is important to me to always be transparent and honest with you at all times, sharing the good and the bad. The need for and the importance of integrity is paramount, with that in mind, I write to you with a heavy heart.

I was shocked to my core as I received a call from the Division of Drug and Crime Control, Missouri State Highway Patrol’s investigative unit, at approximately 8:40 AM Friday, February 25th 2022 informing me that my jail administrator, Nick Murphy 42, of rural Warsaw was picked up at his residence and transported to a neighboring county where he was placed on a 24-hour investigative hold pending formal charges.

At approximately 5:30 PM the same day a special prosecutor from Platte County brought charges against Murphy for statutory rape or attempted statutory rape-1st degree with a person less than 14 years of age and two counts of statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy-deviate sex with a person less than 14 years of age. These charges carry the “unclassified” classification meaning that it is up to the judicial process to determine the punishment rather than a predetermined classification such as an A, B or C class felony, if Murphy should be found guilty. Murphy is being held in the Pettis County Jail with no bond at this time.

My office and the office of prosecutor of Benton County will have no involvement in this case to ensure a fair and unbiased process as Murphy’s case moves forward. Murphy has been placed on administrative unpaid leave until further notice. I want to remind you, that all individuals charged by law enforcement are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Public Information’s Officer with Troop A Headquarters in Lee’s Summit 816-622-0800.”