Former Manager of West Alton Marina Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation Offenses

CONCORD - John E. Murray, III, 56, of Alton Bay was sentenced today to twenty-five years in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material and sex trafficking of minors, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

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 them 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.

"But for the bravery of the survivors in coming forward, this outcome would not have been possible," United States Attorney Young said. "We hope that today's sentencing brings some measure of solace to the survivors and their families and serves as a warning to anyone who would target children for sexual abuse and exploitation in New Hampshire." Attorney Young went on to say, "To our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who worked together seamlessly throughout this investigation-thank you for your outstanding work and tireless dedication in the pursuit of justice."

"For years, Murray used his position of power to prey on his young employees, exploiting and subjecting them to unwanted advances. Thanks to the tireless efforts of a collaborative group of law enforcement professionals and the bravery of those who came forward, he faces a long sentence in federal prison," said Michael Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

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 was 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.

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