HARNETT COUNTY – The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Smithfield man for reportedly using a computer to solicit a child under the age of 16 for the purpose of committing a sex act.
Richard John Murphy, of Alexander Lane, Smithfield was arrested Thursday, July 27, the same day a warrant was obtained against the 56 year-old suspect.
Harnett County Deputy B.M. Byrd took Murphy into custody. He was held on a $75,000 bond at the Harnett County Detention Center. During his first court appearance on Friday, July 28, Murphy was granted a request for a court appointed attorney. He was ordered not to contact the victim, directly or indirectly.
According to a copy of the arrest warrant, the alleged offense occurred on July 23, 2023 at an undisclosed location in Harnett County. No additional details were released.
(With information from The Dunn Daily Record)
