CONCORD – John E. Murray, III, 56, of Alton Bay pled guilty in federal court today to twelve counts of production of child sexual abuse materials and four counts of sex trafficking of a minor, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
Murray was a manager at the West Alton Marina on Alton Bay, where he was responsible for hiring and supervising seasonal employees, many of whom were minors. According to court documents and statements made in court, Murray solicited minor employees of the marina for sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, often in exchange for cash.
Murray directed the victims to send him the videos via Snapchat, and videos of the victims were found on Murray’s cell phone and in his Snapchat account. Murray also subjected minor employees to unwanted sexual contact and sexual acts, to include fondling and oral sex. With respect to two minor victims, Murray made cash payments to the victims in exchange for allowing Murray to perform sexual acts on the victims.
The conduct took place over the course of several years and dates back to at least 2015. Murray has been in state custody since August 2021 on related charges. The binding plea agreement filed in federal court recommends that Murray be sentenced to 300 months—or 25 years—of imprisonment.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 22, 2023.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Alton Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police, the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.