Hanover Youth Soccer Coach Charged With Sex Abuse

HANOVER, MD — A Hanover man faces multiple charges of sexually abusing a youth who played for the Maryland City Mustangs soccer team, which the suspect coached, according to Anne Arundel County Police. Detectives working on the case urge any other victims or witnesses to contact them.

In October 2016, workers with the Department of Social Services received a report of child sexual abuse. Police officers were informed and worked with the Department of Social Services to investigate the abuse complaint. The juvenile victim reported being sexually abused twice about four to eight years ago by Eris Murray, 55, of the 1700 block of Wolcott Way in Hanover. Murray was also the alleged victim's league soccer coach for the Maryland City Mustangs during the time of the reported abuse, and lived on Oak Run Road in Laurel when the alleged abuse took place.

Police have not released the age of the alleged victim or the gender of the youth to conceal the victim's identity.

Child abuse detectives conducted interviews and worked with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s office to obtain an arrest warrant for Murray. On Dec. 22, Murray turned himself in to police on two counts of second-degree sexual offense, two counts of third-degree sexual offense, two counts of fourth-degree sexual offense, sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree child abuse, two counts of second-degree assault, and two counts of sodomy.

He was released on $25,000 bond.

According to charging documents, the child told investigators that both instances of abuse happened at Murray’s home when the victim was between 8 and 12 years old.

On both dates, the victim was staying at Murray’s residence for the night, according to the Capital-Gazette. The first alleged incident happened as the victim waited for Murray's son to return home, while the second incident happened about six months later when Murray reportedly sent his son out of the room. Police say the victim fell asleep and awoke in Murray's bedroom, where the assault occurred.

Police ask that any other victims or anyone with information on the abuse contact the Anne Arundel County Child Abuse Unit at 410-222-4733. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866- 7LOCKUP or text “MCS plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

»Photo of suspect Eris Murray, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police