A Grimes man was arrested Friday on a Dallas County warrant in connection with three incidents in June in which he allegedly was seen publicly masturbating.
Austin Lee Murphy, 25, of 703 S.E. Dovetail Lane, Grimes, was charged with three counts of indecent exposure, first-offense possession of a controlled substance-cannabidiol, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding.
The incident began about 10:45 a.m. Friday on 360th Street in Van Meter, where a Dallas County Deputy Sheriff conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Dodge Ram, driven by Murphy, that appeared to be speeding.
The deputy made contact with Murphy and allegedly perceived “the odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle,” according to court records. THC was and a marijuana pipe were allegedly found on Murphy’s person.
A record check revealed that Murphy had active arrest warrants in Dallas County.
According to court records, at about 10 p.m. on June 24, Murphy allegedly exposed himself while driving a 2010 Volkswagen CC and while stopped at red lights in Waukee and West Des Moines. One of the female victims was from Council Bluffs, and the other two were from Des Moines.
According to court records, Murphy “knowingly conducted himself in such a manner while others could see him in a public place.” He “had his dome light on, which allowed the victims to see him.”
A warrant for Murphy’s arrest was ordered July 8 in Dallas County District Court and served July 26. Murphy is held in the Dallas County Jail in advance of an initial appearance in Dallas County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
