David Walter McCauley, Possessing Images of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Acts, West Virginia 2024

A disturbing crime has shaken the community in Buckhannon, West Virginia. David Walter McCauley, age 66, has pleaded guilty to possessing images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit acts.

On [no specific date mentioned], McCauley appeared in federal court and entered a plea of guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. According to court documents and statements made in court, McCauley enticed a 17-year-old boy to engage in sexually explicit conduct for photo and video production.

Investigators searched McCauley’s residence and office, seizing electronic devices containing illegal images and videos of the minor engaged in sexual acts with McCauley.

McCauley faces up to 10 years in prison, and the United States Attorney’s Office will recommend that McCauley receive the maximum sentence. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld expressed his gratitude for the hard work of law enforcement partners in ensuring McCauley will no longer pose a threat to the community. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburgh Police Department, and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided over the case. Defendant: David Walter McCauley, Exact Criminal Charges: Possession of Child Pornography, City and State: Buckhannon, West Virginia, Exact Date: [no specific date mentioned], Sentence or Outcome: Up to 10 years in prison.