A Farmington resident, Michael F.J. Murphy, 45, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack.
Murphy’s guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography was recorded in Concord’s federal court. His sentencing is set for October 14, 2025, as scheduled by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro.
Court documents reveal that in December 2023, Murphy shared a video containing CSAM with law enforcement via a file-sharing platform.
The legal statute under which Murphy is charged allows for a prison sentence of up to 10 years. However, if the offense involves an image of a prepubescent minor or a minor under 12 years old, the maximum penalty increases to 20 years. The statute also mandates supervised release from five years to life and imposes a potential fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing decisions are based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Idaho Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. Additional support came from the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, United Kingdom South East Regional Crime Unit, and Farmington Police Department. Assistant U.S Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is handling the prosecution.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. This program coordinates efforts across federal, state, and local levels to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
