Former Shelby County assistant district attorney indicted on rape charges

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Shelby County assistant district attorney is facing statutory rape charges, records show.

Vanessa Richards Murtaugh was charged with statutory rape by an authority figure and aggravated statutory rape.

The indictment reads that the incident involved an a minor between the age of 13-17 and Murtaugh had “legal, professional or occupational status and used such position of trust or power” in the alleged incident.

Records show she was indicted by a grand jury on Feb. 27, 2025 and currently out on a $50,000 bond.

Due to a conflict of interest, Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy will not work the case. An office spokesperson released the following the statement.

“To ensure impartiality, DA Mulroy recused himself from the case involving former employee Vanessa Murtaugh, whose appointment as a prosecutor was terminated in 2022 due to unrelated circumstances. While our office remains dedicated to reviewing all cases fairly and objectively, this decision removes any potential perception of bias that could affect the case.”

District Attorney General Frederick H. Agee, whose district covers Haywood, Crockett and Gibson counties, will prosecute the case instead.

“The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference appointed our office to prosecute this case because General Mulroy conflicted off,” Agee said. “Our office is very familiar with 201 Popular and we look forward to seeking justice for the victim and his family.”

This story will be updated once more information becomes available.