‘Demented behavior’: Monroe County family doctor arrested in child exploitation sting

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – A Monroe County family practice doctor was arrested after reportedly seeking a sexual relationship with a 5-year-old girl.

According to authorities, Dr. William J. Murdoch began chatting online in June with someone he believed was a mother willing to allow her 5-year-old daughter to engage in a sexual relationship with him. The “mother” was actually a Port St. Lucie police detective in Florida.

Murdoch reportedly sent multiple messages describing how he would groom the child and sexually abuse them.

Police described it as “demented behavior.”

A warrant for Murdoch’s arrest was issued, and he was quickly apprehended by U.S. Marshals.

He faces extradition to Florida on charges of soliciting a parent to consent to sexual conduct involving a child.