MORGANTON, N.C. -- A former rescue squad recruiter accused of sexually assaulting boys has the first names for some of his alleged victims on tombstone tattoos on his back, authorities said Monday.

Richard Murphy faces dozens of charges after police say he molested at least nine boys, some possibly under the age of 13. He recruited teens for the East Burke County Rescue Squad until authorities began investigating him in 2004.

Officials said Murphy fled to the North Carolina coast and changed his name to Trevor Fury to avoid prosecution. He was arrested in Kill Devil Hills last week.

Investigators also said Monday they did not know about all the alleged victims when they went to the coast to arrest Murphy. Murphy worked as a substitute teacher for four months at two elementary schools near Morganton, Oak Hill and Salem Elementary, in the early 1990s. Students from those schools have now come forward and accused Murphy of molesting them.

Detectives said Murphy followed the students home and the abuse happened at those children’s homes.

Authorities said Murphy was cooperative when he was arrested. He allowed them to search his home, and a search warrant reveals detectives seized all the items they were looking for.

He told Eyewitness News reporter Dave Faherty after his arrest, “I’m very apologetic to all the victims involved.”

Murphy made his first appearance in court Monday. He said he cannot afford an attorney so one has been appointed to him.

If convicted, Murphy could be sentenced to life in prison. He has a probable cause hearing scheduled for June 23.

Murphy is being held on $1 million bond.

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