CLARKSBURG — Upshur County Sheriff J. Michael Coffman and Chief Deputy Theron Caynor received Outstanding Child Exploitation Investigation awards Monday during a ceremony honoring law enforcement partners and public servants.
U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey recognized the two on November 9 at the United States Bankruptcy Courthouse in Clarksburg, according to a release from his office.
The pair were honored for their work on the case involving former Buckhannon mayor David McCauley. FBI Special Agent Stephanie Loycano also received a Champion for Children Award for her work on the McCauley case.
McCauley was sentenced June 12, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh also ordered 10 years of supervised release following his prison term. The sentence followed McCauley’s December 5, 2024, guilty plea in federal court in Wheeling.
“We are only as good as our law enforcement partners. Behind every case is an investigation, and behind every investigation is the outstanding and tireless work by those we honor today. We are grateful for their continued partnership and hard work,” Harvey said in the release.
Federal prosecutors said investigators seized electronic devices from McCauley’s residence. The FBI arrested him at his Buckhannon home October 2, 2024, after a federal indictment. He was serving on Buckhannon City Council at the time and resigned October 8.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett prosecuted the case. The FBI and Pittsburgh Police Department joined the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Community Bulletin
Hank Ellis Insurance Agency in Buckhannon is urging drivers to ask about an auto insurance rate lock — a way to hold a rate steady as premiums climb. The independent Erie agency, owner-operated since 2006, writes auto, home, life and commercial coverage. Read more →
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