Paducah fugitive arrested after skipping court, facing new meth charges

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — A Paducah man who failed to return to court after leaving during his trial last month has been arrested and is facing additional drug charges.

According to the Paducah Police Department, officers arrested Robert Murphy, 63, on Wednesday evening during a traffic stop near Wayne Sullivan Drive and Irvin Cobb Drive.

Police said Murphy was wanted on a bench warrant for contempt of court after leaving the courtroom during his May 19 trial. During that trial, a jury found Murphy guilty of trafficking methamphetamine and determined he was a persistent felony offender. Jurors recommended a 20-year prison sentence, with 10 years to be served before parole eligibility.

Authorities said Murphy left the courthouse claiming a medical emergency. Investigators later learned he left the hospital without being discharged and did not return to court.

During Wednesday’s arrest, officers allegedly found approximately 3.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine in Murphy’s possession.

Murphy was charged with two counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and contempt of court.

An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.