Ohio Woman Gets Probation for Sex with Boy, 12 - Updated

(Dayton, Ohio) Yesterday (12/2), a sickly Gloria J. Murphy appeared in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court for sentencing.

Although Murphy faced a possible five years in prison, she was sentenced to probation.

Judge Mary Katherine Huffman said she would have sentenced Gloria J. Murphy to prison, but Murphy’s poor physical condition would send her straight to a medical ward, which would not be punitive enough.

"There would be no meaningful punishment,” Huffman said, before promising that probation would be “a lot tougher than being in prison.”

Other than appointments to the probation department or for medical treatment, “you’re not going to be out of the house,” said Huffman, who also designated Murphy as a Tier 2 sex offender.

It's interesting that Murphy was sentenced to home probation and that's where she molested the boy in the first place. In any event, it's hard to agree with the contention that probation is a lot tougher than prison.

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Ohio Woman Guilty of Sex with Boy, 12
[Previous 10/23/09 post]
(Dayton, Ohio) A 55-year-old local woman, Gloria J. Murphy, admitted to engaging in sex with a 12-year-old boy.

In accordance with an agreement with the prosecution, Murphy pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition of a child under the age of 13. In exchange, a rape charge was dropped.

Police say that the boy was not forced to have sex, but since he is younger than 13 it is still considered rape.

The boy's family has agreed to the plea agreement, but Murphy could still face up to five years in prison and will be classified a Tier 2 sex offender.

Murphy appeared weak in the courtroom today, carrying an oxygen bottle and getting confused at some of Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Mary Katherine Huffman's questions.

Sentencing has been scheduled for December 2.