FROM MILLBROOK POLICE CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
Top Photo: Drivers license photo of suspect Stephen J. Qrys
On June 1, 2023, detectives with the Millbrook Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint from a victim that reported being forced to engage in sexual an activity with a family member. The victim alleges this activity has gone on for several years, starting when they were a child.
On June 2, 2023, pursuant to an investigation, the alleged offender, Stephen J. Qrys, 61, of Elmore was placed under arrest, charged with Rape 1st Degree and Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12 Years Old. Qrys was transported to the Millbrook Police Department, where he was processed and later transported to the Elmore County Jail, where he remains with no bond.
Because of the sensitive nature of this case, as well as the fact that the reported offenses alleged began when the victim was a minor child, I am extremely limited in what I will comment on at this time.
That stated, when our detectives received this case, they began a preliminary investigation and found the victim to be credible. During their investigation and after consulting with the Elmore County District Attorney’s Office, it was determined that enough probable cause exists in this case to pursue criminal charges. Warrants for the alleged offender were sought for one count of Rape 1st Degree and one count of Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12 Years Old. Upon securing those warrants, our detectives made contact with the alleged offender at his residence, where he was placed under arrest without incident.
After discussing this case with our detectives, I can confirm that additional victims have been identified during the course of this investigation and we anticipate additional charges being pursued against this alleged offender moving forward.
After 35 years, I’ve seen and heard things that I can’t erase from my mind. After so many years, you learn to desensitize yourself, as best you can. It’s just a defense mechanism that allows us to do our job and be effective. That said, it’s hard to know that children are subjected to things like this. There’s nothing more precious or innocent than a child. I’m thankful to work with men and women that dedicate their efforts to protecting our citizens from those who would do them harm, particularly our children.
