Carrboro's embattled fire chief pleaded guilty Thursday to violating a protective order taken out by his former girlfriend.
Rodney Murray pleaded guilty to two counts of violating the restraining order and was granted a prayer for judgment by Durham Superior Court Judge David LaBarre. That means the record will be expunged if Murray stays out of trouble for six months.
"If I have any indication that you violated this order in any way, the matter will be brought back before this court," LaBarre said.
Stalking charges would be reinstated against Murray if he violates the order in the next six months.
The 57-year-old fire chief was arrested on Christmas Eve on charges of drunken driving and failure to stop for police after his car wound up in a roadside ditch in Durham, authorities said. He also was charged with making harassing phone calls in an unrelated incident.
A week later, Murray was charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend, who was the same person involved in the harassing phone calls.
Murray was released from jail following the plea, which defense attorney James Williams said would allow him to seek mental health treatment.
"It's been a tough seven days for him, but it was one (week) that made a good impression on him and it tells him now that the love is over, he has to go on with his life," Williams said. "I think the courts have his attention, and we're happy with the disposition because it will keep his record clean, if he stays away from her."
Murray has been on medical leave since a November heart attack and plans to retire on March 1. He still must face the drunken driving and failure to stop charges.
Previous Stories:
- January 9, 2006: Carrboro Fire Chief To Step Down After Arrests
- December 28, 2005: Carrboro Investigating Fire Chief's Arrest
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