A Sedalia man was scheduled for arraignment Thursday, June 12 on a felony charge of harassment, after he allegedly approached a family and asked about their immigration status.

According to court documents, 61-year-old Dean Murphree is accused of approaching a woman and her children as they were at Liberty Park on Tuesday night. The probable cause statement alleges that Murphree started yelling at the family, asking to see their citizenship papers, and followed them to their vehicle. Murphree allegedly blocked the car and grabbed at the driver’s door, continuing to ask for their papers.

The family was able to leave the park, and returned when they saw officers interviewing Murphree. Officers say the family identified Murphree as the suspect, and he was arrested and taken to the Pettis County Jail. His bond was initially set at $2500.

This story was updated July 13, 2025 at 5:35 a.m. to correct the spelling of Murphree’s name.  Prosecutors filed an amended statement Thursday with the correct spelling.