MAN GETS NINE YEARS FOR WITNESS HARASSMENT

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced that thirty five year-old James A. Murray (d.o.b. 2/18/74) of 515 Monroe Avenue, St. Charles, was sentenced yesterday to nine years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for contacting his former girlfriend several times in an attempt to influence her testimony in a pending prosecution against Mr. Murray.  On January 12, 2009, Murray entered a plea of guilty to one count of Harassment of a Witness, a Class 2 Felony, in front of Judge Perry Thompson, who handed down today’s sentence.

Today’s sentencing stems from allegations that from April 4 – 14, 2007, Murray violated an Order of Protection against him by telephoning his former girlfriend who was scheduled to testify against him in court.  In addition, after being arrested for Harassment of a Witness, Murray continued to contact the woman through phone calls and letters from jail.

“Once again we see a failed attempt by a defendant to harass a witness,” remarked Birkett.  “And once again we see that the courts have no tolerance for this type of behavior.  If our system of justice is to work properly, witnesses must be free to testify without outside influences or fear of retribution.”

A Class 2 Felony is punishable by up to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Murray received a nine year sentence based upon prior criminal convictions.  His nine year sentence will be served consecutive to a seven year sentence Murray received in Kane County for Aggravated DUI.

###