A mentally challenged Riviera Beach man is under arrest after police say he was caught on video masturbating inside a West Palm Beach daycare center.
On Monday, Dec. 5, police were called to My First Steps Preschool on Parker Avenue. The school's director reported that many items were out of place from where they were left on Friday evening and several windows had been opened.
On Tuesday, after reviewing security video and seeing the suspect, the director reported it to police.
According to the arrest report, Stephan Murph is seen crawling through a window at 12:24 a.m.. He then removes all of his clothes and can be seen masturbating in three different locations of the classroom, in some cases while looking at photos of children that he removed from their cubbies.
The surveillance video was clear enough that an officer not involved in the case was able to recognize Murph.
Murph is charged with one count of burglary to an unoccupied structure, once count of criminal mischief, and one count of "Battery of a Child by throwing, tossing, projecting or expelling certain fluids or materials," and other charges.
Police estimate that it will cost $10,000 to clean and replace all of the items that Murph is accused of contaminating with bodily fluids.
Last week, Murph had been reported missing but was returned to his family.
Murph is considered endangered due to multiple health and mental developmental conditions. He is considered "special needs" and possesses the mental capacity of a 10-year-old. He cannot read or write.
Murph has been diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia, Bi Polar Disorders, Diabetes, and Alcoholism Syndrome. He is in need of regular doses of several medications. Without his medication, he could easily become dangerous to himself and/or others.
In the past year, Murphy has left his residence several times and frequents the downtown West Palm Beach area. His family says in the past he generally returns home before nightfall after walking around all day.
