UKIAH, 8/29/22 — Weeks of public outcry over former UPD Sgt. Kevin Murray’s lenient plea deal apparently prompted prosecutors to change direction at the 11th hour. Murray was charged with multiple felony sexual offenses, as well as drug and gun violations, after his Dec. 2020 arrest. On July 7, 2022, he pleaded no contest to felony dissuading a witness and misdeameanor false imprisonment in a deal that also allowed Murray to avoid a public trial and dodge sex-offender registration requirements. His sentencing was scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 24, but that hearing was canceled amid protests. The court gave no explanation for the cancellation.
Deputy District Attorney Heidi Larson filed a motion Monday asking the court to make an example of the convicted felon when he goes before the court for sentencing tomorrow.
“The hard-working, honest, and ethical law enforcement officers here in Mendocino County and those beyond our boundaries support the bench in making an example of this former law enforcement officer so others don’t stray from the straight and narrow good of public safety-oriented policing. While the law requires that the court factor in impacts on the defendant and his family, it cannot be overlooked that defendant Murray’s serial misconduct taints and has long-term consequences for all who wear a law enforcement badge. His misconduct unfortunately diminishes the trust of some in the community willing to paint distrust with a broad brush on all law enforcement officers and agencies,” Larson wrote.
The plea form indicates a minimum sentence of at least 16 months in state prison, but Murray’s attorneys claim the judge agreed to impose no jail time. Murray’s sentencing is scheduled for 3 p.m Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, in the courtroom of Judge Ann Moorman, Dept. G at the Mendocino County Superior Court, 100 N. State St. in Ukiah. Anyone wishing to attend should be advised that judges in Mendocino County routinely call controversial cases earlier in the day than they are officially scheduled.
Read our previous coverage of Murray’s case here.
should be punished the same as we would be…..
Well reasoned request for strong sentence. Please remind the judge that “promise” or indicated sentences from the bench are not binding on the court until after sentence is imposed.
I wonder. If Kevin Murray’s wife or children were raped by a corrupted methhead police sergeant, would Kevin Murray plead for leniency in the sentencing? Would he want the corrupt cop’s “service” to the community to be considered in the sentencing?
Or, would he want justice?
Somehow, I am thinking… if Kevin or his own were the victims… Kevin would be all about getting justice.
Another Fine example of the Good Ole Boys in Blue committing heinous crimes and getting away with it. It makes me sick … that We have tweeking, gun toting Rapists in charge of our protection. Uh, NO THANKS I’LL PASS
Amen! I know some of these officers and the have huge Ego’s and attitude issues and get away with harassment easily!