A Schuylkill County man is wanted by police after allegedly calling his ex-girlfriend dozens of times, threatening her and her children, and posting a nude photograph of her on a mutual friend’s Facebook page.
Arrest warrants have been issued for William Murphy, 35, of Orwigsburg, on misdemeanor charges of stalking, terroristic threats, unlawful dissemination of an intimate image, and two counts of harassment. The charges stem from two separate incidents reported in the last week.
Police in West Mahanoy Township say the victim first reported the harassment on June 23, saying that Murphy was calling her excessively from an anonymous number despite being blocked on her phone and social media accounts. The victim told police she ordered Murphy to cease all contact a few days prior, but that between 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. that day, he called her 61 times and left several voicemails asking to speak with her.
Three days later, on June 26, police responded to the victim’s residence for reports of escalated harassment and terroristic threats. The victim told police that between June 23 and June 25, Murphy left 16 additional voicemails from an anonymous number.
The victim played the messages for police, which included severe threats of physical violence. According to police, Murphy stated, “You better watch your back, you’re getting dragged b**ch,” and “You’re really gonna push me … you’re gonna be the next f***ing victim under me.”
Other threats in the voicemails included, “And this time I’ll sit,” “I’m on my way up there, your man better save you,” “I’m coming to kick your s*it down,” and “You better have cops sitting outside your crib,” police say.
Murphy also allegedly directed threats toward the victim’s children, stating, “Wait until your kids are outside b**ch and somethin happens,” and “You’re gonna be like no, not my babies,” according to police.
In addition to the voicemails, the victim told police Murphy posted a nude photograph of her sitting in a bathtub, which she said he took when they were a couple. The victim reported the image was posted from Murphy’s Facebook account to the Facebook page of a mutual friend.
Police say the victim also provided a transcribed voicemail from Murphy that stated, “Pick up the phone and chat, and I’ll have them delete that s*it.” Police allege this was an attempt by Murphy to coerce the victim into speaking with him in exchange for removing the compromising image from social media.
Schuylkill County Crisis & Support Resources
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, free, confidential, and inclusive help is available 24/7 in Schuylkill County.
- Schuylkill Hope Center (Domestic Violence): Call the 24/7 hotline at (570) 622-6220, text HOPELINE to 20121, or visit schopecenter.org. Services include emergency shelter, housing assistance, counseling, and legal representation.
- SARCC (Sexual Assault): Call the 24/7 hotline at (570) 628-2965 or visit sarccheals.org for counseling, advocacy, and healing support for survivors of sexual violence.
- Outside Schuylkill County: Residents across Pennsylvania can find their local domestic violence program at pcadv.org. You can also visit domesticshelters.org to find resources near you.
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