Former Minden Police Officer Pleads In Rape Case

MINDEN, La. (AP) — A former Minden police officer accused of raping a 15-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge rather than go to trial.

Daniel Murray's plea to cruelty to juveniles came Monday just before jury selection in state district court. The charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years.

District Judge Bruce Bolin ordered a presentence investigation. No sentencing date was set.

Murray was arrested in January 2009 after the accusation surfaced. A Webster Parish grand jury indicted him six months later, and he was subsequently fired. Murray has been in jail since his arrest.