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Sandra Yi ReportingPolice in Murray say they've arrested a sexual predator. A 20-year old man had relationships with young girls, including a nine-year old.
The investigation began next week after a concerned father called police. Investigators discovered that his 14-year old daughter was having a sexual relationship with the suspect. They also found two other victims, and there may be more.
Det. Rob Hall, Murray Police Dept.: "He was working so subtly and so quietly that it took us a while to become aware of him."
Michael Kirth's boyish looks may have appealed to young girls.
Det. Hall: "The age difference was enough that, I think, the kids were a little more beyond guarded in talking to this man because he looks like a kid himself."
Police say he frequented public places in Murray.
Det. Hall: "Anything from the roadway as kids were walking home from school, libraries, eating establishments, that type of place where kids would normally hang out after school."
Investigators believe Kirth befriended girls, swapped emails and phone numbers with the intent of luring them into a sexual relationship.
Police know of three victims between nine and 15-years old.
Det. Hall: "And that's the thing that's scary about this news. This gentleman operated over a period of time and gained that trust."
Police say Kirth has a profile on the popular website, MySpace.com, but his tactics were old fashioned. It's a reminder to parents that not all predators find their victims online.
Det. Hall: "There's still people out there that aren't afraid to approach kids face-to-face. And they're not the ones that are going to abduct them right off the street, but they're going to subtly gain their confidence then make them victims."
Michael Kirth faces multiple felony charges. He's currently in jail. If you have any information on this suspect, or believe you were a victim, please call Murray police.
