Athens, Ohio – Joshua D. Murphy, a 35-year-old from Coolville, Ohio, received a mandatory prison sentence of twenty (20) years to life in the State Penal System on Saturday after being found guilty of ten (10) counts of first-degree felony rape. In March 2023, authorities were informed that a fourteen-year-old girl had accused Murphy of raping her. The investigation revealed that Murphy had sexually assaulted the victim multiple times between the ages of nine and fourteen, ceasing only when she relocated.
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office handled the case. Prosecutor Keller J. Blackuburn praised the investigative work conducted by law enforcement and Chief Assistant Athens County Prosecutor Liz Pepper, emphasizing the dedication required to bring justice to victims of such abhorrent crimes.