The former co-owner of a Sarpy County dance studio has been federally indicted for allegedly transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to commit a sex crime.
Nicholas Murphy, 43, who currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, was indicted in Nebraska last month on one count of transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday.
According to a press release from the FBI’s Omaha office, Murphy co-owned the Dance Authority, located near 180th and Harrison Streets, from 2012 until 2022. Alongside the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI is seeking help in identifying other potential victims who attended the dance studio from 2011 to the present.
The indictment provides little information about the alleged offense, only saying that Murphy transported an underage girl from Omaha to Tucson, Arizona, in October 2021 for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. If convicted, Murphy faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
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At Wednesday’s hearing in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Bazis, Murphy was ordered to be released from custody and will be allowed to reside with his parents in Arizona. He will be GPS-monitored and is barred from having contact with anyone under the age of 18, aside from supervised visits with his male children.
Murphy was also required to step down from his position as a volunteer football coach at a Scottsdale high school. Bazis repeatedly warned Murphy during the hearing that he will be put in jail if he violates any condition of release.
“This is federal court, not state court,†Bazis said. “We don’t mess around.â€
Anyone who believes they or their child was victimized by Murphy is encouraged to contact the FBI at or by calling the FBI field office at 402-493-8688.
Current owners of the Dance Authority did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
