Two sentences and an indictment in child sex abuse cases in Murphy, NC
Robert Eugene Barnhill will serve less than 3 years
MURPHY, North Carolina (WDEF) – Authorities are releasing developments in three different child sex offense cases in western North Carolina.
A Murphy, North Carolina man has been sentenced for a case of incest.
The judge gave 42 year old Robert Eugene Barnhill 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 years in prison.
Plus he will be given credit for the almost two years he has already served waiting for trial.
Barnhill will also be required to register as a convicted sex offender.
He was convicted of sexual assaults against a close relative.
Cherokee County investigators praised HAVEN Child Advocacy Center for helping them make the case.
Chief Deputy Joe Wood stated “Again a team effort by all. HAVEN has always been a valuable asset to Cherokee and surrounding counties in Western North Carolina. Again, the District Attorney’s Office was able to work hand in hand with our Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Investigator, HAVEN and Cherokee County Department of Social Services to bring justice for the youth of Cherokee County.”
During the February 21, 2022 session of Grand Jury in Cherokee County.
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In another case, 38 year old Brett Allen Parrish of Andrews was sentenced to 4-7 years for Indecent Liberties with a Child.
Last spring, officers arrested him after he was sitting on his front porch, naked, and masturbating as a school bus drove by.
There were 14 children on board the bus.
Another woman also shot video of him as she drove by.
He will also have to register as a sex offender.
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And finally, 71 year old Walter Leland Watkins of Murphy has been indicted on charges of online solicitation of a minor to engage in sex acts.
Last fall, investigators looked into accusations that he had been soliciting an underage female.
They interviewed the girl and then monitored her further computer conversations with Watkins.
He was arrested in September in the Hanging Dog Community.
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