Published: June 13, 2008 09:42 am            

Glenn Murphy Jr. faces two-year jail sentence

Former Clark County Republican Party Chair Glenn Murphy Jr. faces a two-year prison sentence after pleading guilty Thursday morning to criminal deviate conduct, a class B felony, for performing unwanted oral sex on a man in Jeffersonville in July.

Murphy will be sentenced to two years in prison and four years of probation, according to the terms of the agreement. The prison sentence can be reduced by half — to one year — for good behavior.

Murphy also will have to register as a sex offender. Clark County Superior Court No. 1 Judge Vicki Carmichael said the court has not accepted the plea yet. Murphy had faced six to 20 years in prison if convicted.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. June 30.

“About a month ago, we had our last deposition, and the defense approached me about it,” Special Prosecutor Stan Levco said in a press conference after the hearing. “I really hadn’t anticipated pleading this. I thought we’d be going to trial.”

Levco said the victim, 21 at the time of the incident, will testify in the June 30 sentencing. He was prepared to testify Thursday, Levco said, but the judge told him the appropriate time to do so is at sentencing.

Levco said he is pleased with the agreement because his three goals were met — that Murphy admit what he did, be charged with a felony and spend time in prison. He added that Carmichael’s decision to allow into evidence the statements of three men who claim Murphy sexually assaulted them in the past was a big factor in reaching the agreement.

In court, Levco read the charges against Murphy. He said the victim had been at a party hosted by his sister July 29, and had been drinking. He fell asleep, and when he awoke, he found Murphy performing oral sex on him without his permission.

When asked if the charges were true, the previously composed Murphy paused for several seconds before saying yes.

Levco, who is Vanderburgh County’s prosecutor, took on the case after Clark County Prosecutor Steve Stewart, a Democrat, declined to take the case to avoid the appearance of being politically motivated.

        

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