Lawrenceburg Man Charged With Sex Offender Registry Offense, Drug Possession & Intimidation

The arrest was made on October 10 at a home on Short Street.

Bryan C. Murrell. Photo by the Dearborn County Sheriff's Office.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A Lawrenceburg man has been arrested on multiple felony charges including a sex offender residency offense and failing to register as a sex offender. 

Lawrenceburg Police responded to a residence on Short Street on October 10 in reference to a welfare check. During the check, police made contact with the homeowner and a man identified at Bryan C. Murrell, 39. 

Following the welfare check, the responding officer ran warrant checks on both individuals and found that Murrell was registered as a sex offender or sexually violent predator through Dearborn County.

The officer responded back to the home and asked permission to enter, which was granted. Murrell was asked how long he had been living at the residence, to which he responded, "around three months." 

Murrell was advised by the officer that he was still registered and could not be living at the Short Street residence that is just over 100 feet away from Central Elementary School. He was then taken into custody. 

Before being escorted to the patrol vehicle, Murrell allegedly asked the arresting officer if he could get his cell phone for him. While collecting the device, the officer observed in plain view a glass methamphetamine pipe, metal grinder containing plant material, wooden pipe, Hydroxyzine Pamoate capsules and other drug paraphernalia, according to a probable cause affidavit. 

Murrell told the officer that the drugs were not his and that his friends come over and use drugs in his bedroom. 

He is charged with Sex Offender Residency Offense (Level 6 Felony), Failure to Register (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a Legend Drug (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Marijuana with Prior (Class A Misdemeanor), Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor), and Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor). 

After being booked into Dearborn County Jail, Murrell picked up an additional charge of Intimidation (Level 6 Felony) for allegedly screaming "I'll kill all of you," in addition to other profanities aimed at a female booking officer.