A volunteer football coach with deep connections to the valley has been indicted by a grand jury, accused of sexual conduct with a minor in Nebraska
Nicholas Murphy, who has been currently volunteering as coach for the freshman football team at Desert
Nicholas Murphy
Mountain High School, was told not to return to campus after he was indicted by a grand jury. Murphy is accused of sexual conduct with a minor. Court records state he is being charged with taking an underage girl from Omaha, Nebraska to Tucson, Arizona in October 2021.
Murphy, 43-year-old, is an ASU graduate, who played ASU football and also had a short career as an NFL player. According to the FBI, currently is living in Scottsdale, but previously lived in Omaha.
Murphy made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday, facing charges of transportation of a minor for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual activity. He entered a not guilty plea before the judge.
During his time in Omaha, Nebraska, Murphy co-owned a dance studio with his wife, Dance Authority from 2012 to 2022. Last year, he sold the studio and moved to Scottsdale with his family.
During Murphy’s court hearing, a judge ruled Murphy had permission to return to Arizona under the orders that he live with his parents and wear an ankle monitor. He was also ordered to have no contact with minors, including, his teenage step-daughter who allegedly knows witnesses in the case. The judge authorized supervised visits with Murphy’s other children.
Reportedly Murphy works as a software sales executive, in addition he recruits for a real estate brokerage. The judge approved potential work travel as long as informs the court ahead of time of his required travel.
The FBI is currently investigating whether there are additional victims dating back to 2011.
Murphy’s volunteer work with the Scottsdale Unified School District has been terminated. The district issued the following letter to parents regarding the situation:
Dear Desert Mountain Families,
Earlier this evening we learned that one of our volunteer freshman football coaches has been indicted in the state of Nebraska. We want you to know that this person cleared a background check and had level one fingerprint clearance prior to being permitted to volunteer with our program. Upon learning of these out-of-state legal proceedings, he will no longer be volunteering with our program or anywhere in our district.
Should you believe that anyone in our district is behaving in an inappropriate manner with a student, we urge you to report it immediately. The safety and security of our students is our top priority.
Authorities are concerned there may be additional victims. The FBI and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office have asked the public for help identifying other potential victims who may have attended the Murphy’s dance studio. Information can be submitted online or by calling the FBI Omaha field office at 402-493-8688.
