Man Planned To Sexually Assault Girl In Morris County Park: Cops

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — A Bayville man was charged Tuesday after trying to sexually assault an underage girl in a Morris Plains park, officials said. Robert Murphy arranged to meet with her that night at Community Park for sexual activity, according to the New Jersey Office of Attorney General.

Murphy, 19, contacted the girl through social media, the OAG said. The victim's parents became aware in advance and alerted police, who arrested Murphy when he showed up at the park at 11 p.m. Morris Plains is 85 miles away from Bayville.

Murphy was charged with attempted aggravated sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and violating emergency orders. According to the Morris Plains Police Department, the man and the girl met online using a social networking application. Murphy was arrested and remanded to the Morris County Jail pending a court proceeding, police said.

The Morris Plains Police Department said they want to strongly emphasize the role that parents should play in their children’s internet activity.

"Parents are reminded to continuously monitor their children's on-line behavior and should speak with their kids frequently about safe and responsible use of the internet," Detective Sergeant Bruce M. Rapp said in a statement. "Those conversations are especially important now when our children are spending more time at home with technology, seeking the social interactions they are missing while not in school and unable to spend time with friends."

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