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California Cop’s Misconduct Costs Small Town Millions: Sex Assault, Burglary, and Meth Scandal
The criminal actions of a former California police officer have cost a small town millions of dollars after a series of disturbing events involving sex assaults, burglary, and meth. The case highlights issues of police misconduct and accountability within the department.
Ukiah Police Department Shaken by Former Sergeant’s Actions
Former Sergeant Kevin Murray disgraced the Ukiah Police Department in Mendocino County following numerous disturbing charges that concluded with a lenient sentence and a $3 million settlement for the town.
The department’s budget for fiscal year 2025 is just over $10 million, meaning Murray’s actions cost the city close to a third of its annual police funding. This financial burden underscores the profound impact of his misconduct on the community.
Light Sentence Sparks Outrage
After multiple felony sexual assault accusations, Murray received a sentence of only two years probation and 250 hours of community service. The former officer accepted a plea agreement that dismissed the charges, preventing a public trial.
Murray was not mandated to register as a sex offender, but was required to provide a DNA sample to the state and participate in a three-year Sex Offenders and Families in Effective Recovery program for a minimum of one year. The perceived leniency of this sentence has fueled public discontent.
Details of the Allegations Against Murray
His apprehension stemmed from claims ranging from breaking into a woman’s hotel room for sexual purposes and keeping methamphetamine in his department-issued locker, to brandishing his service weapon while committing aggravated sexual assault.
- Breaking into a woman’s hotel room
- Storing methamphetamine in his locker
- Brandishing weapon during an assault
Early Cases and Settlements
Murray’s initial serious case began in 2018 when he allegedly forced entry into the residence of a disabled Gulf War veteran without legal authority and physically assaulted him, causing unconsciousness.
The city of Ukiah disbursed $1.05 million to the veteran to settle the allegations.
2021 Charges: Burglary, Meth Possession, and Sexual Battery
In January 2021, Murray faced another series of accusations that included burglary, meth possession, and sexual battery, stemming from an incident at the Super 8 Motel in Ukiah.
According to court records, Murray allegedly deactivated his body camera, drove the victim’s vehicle with her inside, and asked her to kiss him on the neck.
He allegedly entered her room uninvited, took her key card, and announced his intention to return after his shift.
Murray then allegedly sent her text messages inquiring about a ‘hook up’ and requesting ‘good pics’ to assess if ‘the good[s] are worth coming back for’.
The woman asserted that she had never provided Murray with her phone number, and authorities discovered that he used a spoofed caller ID to conceal his identity. She grew so afraid that she fortified the door with a table.
The woman received a $250,000 civil settlement from the city as a result.
Additional Allegations and Lawsuits
One month later, he faced another criminal charge for an alleged 2014 off-duty rape.
He was initially charged with forcible rape and forcible oral copulation, and an allegation of sexual assault armed with an assault weapon was later added.
2022 Complaint and Default Judgement
In the complaint filed, Murray was accused of being armed with a knife and a handgun. The court determined that the city was not responsible, but Murray did not respond to the civil suit and was served with a $1 million default judgement.
2021 Lawsuit from Former Officer
In 2021, he was also served another suit from a former Ukiah officer accusing him of sexual assault during a 2013 training trip.
The female officer stated that the police department retaliated when she reported the incident, isolating her and reducing her pay. In January 2025, the city paid a settlement of $1.75 million.
Former Praise and Promotion
The police department had previously publicly praised Murray. On April 8, 2020, the department posted on its Facebook page:
‘Join us as we celebrate Officer Kevin Murray’s promotion to Sergeant!’
‘Sergeant Murray joined the City of Ukiah Police Department in December 2008. Over the course of his law enforcement career, Sergeant Murray has worked several special assignments including Field Training Officer and K9 handler with his partner Thor.’
‘Sergeant Murray is also a veteran who served for the U.S. Army. Over the course of his six-year military career, Sergeant Murray was deployed once to Afghanistan, twice to Iraq & was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.’
‘Before today’s promotion, Sergeant Murray has been supervising his shift as a watch commander for the past 6 1/2 months due to staffing shortages.’
‘Sergeant Murray’s work ethic and dedication to serve our community is commendable & we’re thrilled to announce his promotion.’
Community Reaction to Light Sentencing
Murray’s lenient punishment disturbed the city, leaving many questioning the fairness of the justice system.
Trent James, a former deputy for the Mendocino Sheriff’s Office and canine officer with the Willits Police Department, expressed concerns that corrupt officers receive ‘extreme leeway and special treatment’.
‘Murray’s sentencing sends a very clear message to not only the citizens of Mendocino County, but also current law enforcement, that this type of behavior is okay,’ James stated.
‘With this “slap on the wrist” punishment for extremely egregious crimes there is very little, if any, deterrence from others committing the same crimes.’
Probation Department’s Assessment
The Sonoma County Probation Department conducted a review of Murray’s case prior to his sentencing, advocating for two years of probation with a suspended prison term and a one-year jail sentence.
Sonoma County Probation Officer Spencer Misetich characterized Murray’s actions as ‘abhorrent’, criticizing his behavior as exhibiting ‘criminal sophistication’.
However, because ‘no factors in aggravation were found true or admitted by the defendant as part of his plea agreement in this matter… the court is essentially limited to imposing the middle term of imprisonment, which is what we would recommend’.
‘…We do feel the defendant’s abhorrent actions in this matter deserves further jail time in addition to the time he has already served,’ the report stated.
Murray was ultimately given a two-year probation sentence without any further jail time.
New Leadership and Efforts to Restore Trust
Murray’s mild penalty and ‘abhorrent’ actions have caused severe distrust within the police department, just as Police Chief Thomas Corning was sworn in last month.
Corning is the third individual to hold the position since Murray’s misconduct surfaced. Noble Waidelich assumed the role nine months after Murray was charged but was later ousted for allegedly coercing a woman into sex while on duty in uniform.
As Corning takes over, he stated: ‘The policy used to state that guys were, you know, basically recommended to turn on their body cams during citizen contacts.
‘We changed it to where they are mandated on every citizen contact to turn on the camera.’
Corning acknowledges the damage Murray inflicted on the Ukiah Police Department’s image.
‘You just constantly keep hearing about this guy,’ he commented. ‘It can weigh on you.’
‘When you care about a department this much, you know how much good we have – and how much good we do,’ he continued.
Corning is dedicated to demonstrating that the prior scandals do not accurately reflect their current workforce.
‘We’ve really made a very strong effort to hold people accountable, to try to be transparent with the community,’ he said, while recognizing that ‘all it takes is one or two guys to ruin the reputation with the community’.