BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — A current member of Buckhannon city council and former mayor has been indicted for child pornography charges.
David Walter McCauley, 66, of Buckhannon, has been charged with two counts of production and one count of possession of child pornography. He was arrested Wednesday by FBI agents.
Federal prosecutors allege McCauley enticed a 17-year-old boy to engage in sexually explicit conduct for photo and video production. The indictment also charges McCauley with knowingly possessing illegal images on his computer.
“As alleged, David McCauley produced child pornography involving a juvenile boy on multiple occasions,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Those who prey upon and exploit our youth will be held accountable, no matter their status in the community.”
The City of Buckhannon responded to the development in a Facebook post.
“The City of Buckhannon is aware that council member David W. McCauley has been indicted by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges. The City fully supports the judicial system and respects the dedication of the federal grand jury system,” the post said. “Mr. McCauley was elected to a four-year term on the city council in 2022. At this time, the City has no further comments regarding the matter”
If convicted, McCauley faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison for count of production of child pornography and up to 10 years for possession of child pornography.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Pittsburgh Police Department, and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office.
McCauley has served as the Buckhannon city attorney, on the planning commission, and served as mayor from May 2016 to June 2020.
Story by Mike Nolting, WAJR