Hooks Man Accused Of Molesting 3-Year-Old, Bail $200K

HOOKS, Texas–A Hooks man is being held in the Bowie County jail with bail set at $200,000 on a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child involving a 3-year-old girl.

Benjamin P. Murphy, 25, allegedly had access to the child because he is related to her, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The child’s mother reportedly became concerned by self-touching behavior the child exhibited, particularly in the bathtub. The child allegedly identified Murphy as the person who taught her the behavior, the affidavit said.

Police interviewed the child’s mother at an emergency room in Texarkana, Texas, on Sept. 25. The girl met with a forensic interviewer at the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center and was examined by a nurse with special training for sexual assault examinations a few days later.

Murphy was arrested Oct. 2 and remains in custody.

Aggravated sexual assault of a child under 10 years of age is punishable by 25 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000. If Murphy is convicted, he would face that sentencing range and would be required to register as a sex offender.

An attorney of record was not listed Friday for Murphy. The case has been assigned to 202nd District Judge John Tidwell.