A Farmington resident, Michael F.J. Murphy, has admitted guilt in a federal court to charges of possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announced the plea, which was entered in Concord.
Murphy, aged 45, confessed to one count of possession of child pornography before U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro. The sentencing is set for October 14, 2025.
Court documents reveal that in December 2023, Murphy shared a video containing CSAM with law enforcement via a file-sharing platform.
The applicable statute allows for a prison sentence of up to 10 years. However, if the material involves a prepubescent minor or a minor under 12 years old, the maximum penalty increases to 20 years. Additionally, there is a supervised release term ranging from five years to life and a potential fine of $250,000. Sentences are determined by federal district court judges based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Idaho's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. Support came from the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the United Kingdom South East Regional Crime Unit, and the Farmington Police Department. Assistant U.S Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is handling prosecution duties.
This case forms part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project coordinates resources at various governmental levels to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
For more details about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
