Following an almost six-month long investigation, a Minden police officer was indicted Friday afternoon for the alleged rape and molestation of a 15-year-old girl.

Canine officer Daniel Murray, 36, of Minden, surrendered to Webster Parish authorities Friday after learning of the parish’s grand jury decision to indict him on one count each of forcible rape and molestation of a juvenile.

A crime lab confirmed evidence of sexual contact earlier this month.

As of press time this morning, Murray was still behind bars at the Webster Parish Courthouse jail on a $400,000 bond.

“We are trying to pursue all avenues to make sure that all parties involved are treated fairly,” said Webster Parish Chief Deputy Bobby Igo in a January Press-Herald interview.

The case stems back to January, when reportedly the teen-ager, accompanied by her mother, informed authorities of the child’s rape allegations against Murray.

“She came in with allegations that she had been sexually assaulted by a Minden police officer and she gave us his name at that time,” Igo said several months ago. “The mother also said that there were some text messages on her phone that the mother deemed inappropriate for a juvenile.”

At that time, Igo said it was unclear as to whom the text messages were intended, since the victim, her mother and grandmother all use the cell phone.

According to reports, the messages were sent to the mother of the victim and not the teen-ager.

Initially, Murray had been placed on paid administrative leave from the police department after the mother of the child filed charges in late January. However, on Friday that order was reversed to unpaid leave.

“He (Murray) was put on suspension following the decision of the grand jury,” said Minden Police Chief T.C. Bloxom.
Reportedly, Murray and the mother of the victim were longtime acquaintances and on January 21, the day of the alleged rape, the mother was on her way to take the victim’s sibling to the doctor. Supposedly, the teen-ager was ill that day. Therefore, in an effort to avoid leaving the sick adolescent unattended she dropped the victim off at Murray’s residence for supervision until she returned.

According to reports, during the alleged assault Murray’s police dog was present in the apartment creating an atmosphere of fear for the underage female.

“The dog was highly trained to protect the officer and as a result of his training, the dog placed the juvenile in fear of great bodily harm if she resisted,” said Chief Assistant District Attorney Sherb Sentell. “Murray did not give it (dog) a command, but it took a posture that intimidated the girl.”

Reportedly, the juvenile had seen the K-9 in action, noticed its demeanor in the apartment and was concerned the dog would defend its handler and attack if the teen-ager fought back.

Originally, the matter was reported to the Minden Police Department. However, due to the magnitude of the issue and one of the agency’s own being involved the case was pushed to the next higher authority — Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The Murray case will now follow a series of events. “Next there will be an arraignment, status conference and finally a trial date set.” Sentell said.

 The dates of these events will depend on what judge is assigned to the case, which has not been determined at this time.

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