Ocala, Florida: Former North Carolina State University sports medicine director Robert M. Murphy Jr. has been arrested in Florida after a Wake County grand jury indicted him on 32 criminal charges connected to allegations involving former male student-athletes.

Murphy was taken into custody in Marion County, Florida, on Wednesday night after North Carolina authorities obtained fugitive warrants following the grand jury action. The charges include nine felony counts alleging sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment and 23 misdemeanor counts of sexual battery.

According to prosecutors, the criminal case involves allegations concerning 14 individuals. The indictments cover incidents allegedly occurring between October 2016 and September 2021.

Murphy previously served as NC State’s director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer, holding the position from 2012 until 2022. He resigned from the university in June 2022 after allegations concerning his conduct became the subject of investigations.

The criminal case follows years of allegations raised by former NC State athletes. The controversy became public after former men’s soccer player Benjamin Locke filed a complaint and later initiated legal proceedings alleging inappropriate conduct during medical treatment. Other former athletes subsequently came forward with similar accusations.

The allegations have included claims concerning physical contact during treatments and questions about procedures associated with athletic drug testing. More than 30 former athletes have been connected to civil litigation involving Murphy, although the criminal charges announced by prosecutors concern 14 alleged victims.

A Wake County grand jury returned the indictments on September 14, but the charges remained sealed while authorities worked to locate Murphy. After his arrest in Florida, the indictments were made public.

Murphy’s attorneys have rejected the accusations and criticized the decision to bring criminal charges. They have argued that earlier law-enforcement activity did not result in criminal charges and have maintained that Murphy expects to defend himself in court.

The case also follows a complicated civil legal battle. A lawsuit brought by former athletes was dismissed by a Wake County judge in June on procedural and statute-of-limitations grounds. Attorneys representing the former athletes have pursued further legal action, while Murphy and other defendants have disputed the allegations.

NC State has said it is aware of the criminal charges and will cooperate with authorities. The university has also stated that sexual misconduct is unacceptable and that the safety of students and student-athletes remains a priority.

Murphy’s arrest does not establish guilt. The criminal allegations will have to be addressed through the North Carolina court system, where prosecutors will be required to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is expected to move forward after Murphy’s transfer from Florida to North Carolina. Authorities have said the investigation remains active, meaning additional information or allegations could emerge as the legal proceedings continue.

The developments mark a significant escalation in a controversy that has remained in litigation and investigation for several years, moving allegations that were previously centered largely on civil proceedings into a formal criminal prosecution.