Port St. Lucie, FL — A Michigan man has been arrested after allegedly discussing plans with an undercover detective to engage in sexual activity with a 5-year-old child, according to Port St. Lucie Police officials.
The suspect, identified as William J. Murdoch, was taken into custody in Michigan on September 2 by the U.S. Marshals Service. Authorities confirmed he will be extradited to Florida to face charges.
Arrest Warrant and Charges
Police said Murdoch was served with an arrest warrant charging him with soliciting a parent to consent to the participation of sexual conduct involving a child.
Sgt. Dominick Mesiti, a spokesperson for Port St. Lucie Police, confirmed the arrest and extradition process.
Undercover Investigation
The investigation began in June when an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detective in Port St. Lucie posed online as a mother. Officials said Murdoch initiated conversations, first asking about a platonic relationship before shifting to requests about the woman allowing him to have sexual contact with her 5-year-old child.
According to detectives, Murdoch described his plan to “groom the child” and continued discussing disturbing details. Evidence later recovered from his iCloud and messaging accounts revealed additional conversations.
“During the investigation, Murdoch would message about his plan to groom the child,” the detective stated in reports obtained by police.
Disturbing Details Emerge
Investigators reported that the recovered conversations included discussions about Murdoch’s medical training as a family practice doctor in Michigan. The messages also referenced topics such as conception, full-term abortions, and intentional drug and alcohol use to cause birth defects.
Police emphasized that these messages deepened the severity of the case, revealing Murdoch’s calculated attempts to manipulate and exploit children.
The details were first published by TCPalm, which cited official police statements.
Community Shock and Next Steps
The case has shocked both Michigan and Florida communities, raising concerns about how online predators target families through deceitful conversations. Law enforcement officials credited the undercover operation with stopping Murdoch before he could harm a child.
Murdoch is awaiting extradition to Florida, where he will face prosecution. Authorities said no further details were available as of the evening of September 2.
What are your thoughts on this disturbing case? Share your views in the comments below.
