HALIFAX, N.C. (WTVD) -- A former police officer has been charged in a months-long child pornography investigation.
Willie Cleveland Murphy Jr., 37, of Wilson turned himself in Tuesday to Halifax County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigators.
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After an extensive digital forensic examination, criminal investigators testified Monday before a grand jury in Halifax. The grand jury handed down a true bill of indictment to officially charge Murphy with 58 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor (possession of child pornography).
The charges stem from an investigation that began in 2020.
According to the sheriff's office, the charges contend that Murphy, a former Enfield police officer, possessed child pornography that contained "visual representations of minors engaged in sexual activity" on electronic devices seized from his home in September 2020.
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Murphy is charged with possessing the material. He was released on a $10,000 bond and his first court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 24.
Murphy still has charges pending prosecution from his arrest in 2020.