KEY BISCAYNE, Florida – William McCaughan Jr., son of a prominent family in Key Biscayne, is facing new federal charges that allege he made child pornography in addition to the existing charges of receiving it. The charges against McCaughan now include two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, as well as two counts of producing visual depictions that involve sexual exploitation of minors. The trial is scheduled for March 11, as stated in the online court docket.
The Key Biscayne Independent was the first to report the additional charges against McCaughan. Previously, he had pleaded not guilty to the receipt and attempted receipt charges. However, there is no record of his plea to the new charges, which were filed on February 22. After his not guilty plea, McCaughan sought disciplinary revocation, which is referred to as “tantamount to disbarment” according to the state Supreme Court.
Although the new indictment lists two specific minor victims, it does not provide information on how McCaughan was acquainted with them. In the criminal complaint from last July, it was alleged that McCaughan, using the username “wmccaugh” on the Kik file sharing app, watched a video featuring an 11-year-old niece of another user. McCaughan expressed his desire to take the girl on a road trip and engage in sexual acts with her before she reached a certain age.
According to the complaint, McCaughan also engaged in conversations with an undercover FBI officer on Kik. In these interactions, he conveyed his frustration that society considers sex as private and taboo, suggesting that children need to be exposed to sexual experiences from a young age. He claimed that many children are naturally curious and interested in sexual matters.
The new charges against McCaughan shed light on the disturbing nature of his alleged activities, highlighting the seriousness of the accusations he faces. As the trial date approaches, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what evidence will be presented to support the charges.