BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Incumbent Buckhannon City Councilor David McCauley is scheduled for his initial hearing in a federal child pornography investigation on Monday. Also next week, a special meeting is expected to be called to consider the impeachment and removal of McCauley from Council.
In a statement, Mayor Robbie Skinner said the investigation into McCauley was initiated in July of 2022 by the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department. At the time, McCauley was asked to resign but refused, according to Skinner.
The city administration will work closely with City Attorney Tom O’Neil to develop a resolution calling for the impeachment and removal of McCauley. Skinner said he would call a special meeting in the coming days to begin the process.
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.
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 of the city from May 2016 to June 2020.