A Michigan doctor has been arrested after an undercover sting operation allegedly caught him attempting to groom what he believed was a mother online to gain access to her 5-year-old daughter for sexual abuse, authorities said Wednesday.
Dr William Murdoch , an associate director for Family Medicine at Monroe Regional Hospital , was taken into custody by US Marshals after Port St Lucie police posed as a mother in a "platonic friendship" with him. Investigators said his true intent quickly became clear: to persuade the fictitious woman to allow her child to be "courted by and have a sexual relationship with him."
Police described the online conversations as "stomach-churning," revealing Murdoch 's detailed plans to groom and abuse the child. Officers said his messages, too explicit to publish in full, outlined "demented behaviour" and methods of turning the relationship sexual.
A forensic review of Murdoch's iCloud and messaging accounts uncovered more alarming material. According to police, his medical training appeared to aid in disturbing "dark web hunts," including discussions on conception, forced abortions, and intentionally causing birth defects through drugs and alcohol.
Authorities swiftly obtained a warrant, charging Murdoch with soliciting a parent to consent to sexual conduct involving a child. He is set to be extradited to Florida to face prosecution.
ProMedica , which operates Monroe Regional Hospital where Murdoch worked, said his arrest "triggered an immediate suspension of Dr Murdoch's hospital privileges and a termination of all activity involving the physician."
"This case represents the most depraved abuse of trust imaginable," police said, adding that their work prevented potential harm to children.
Dr William Murdoch , an associate director for Family Medicine at Monroe Regional Hospital , was taken into custody by US Marshals after Port St Lucie police posed as a mother in a "platonic friendship" with him. Investigators said his true intent quickly became clear: to persuade the fictitious woman to allow her child to be "courted by and have a sexual relationship with him."
Police described the online conversations as "stomach-churning," revealing Murdoch 's detailed plans to groom and abuse the child. Officers said his messages, too explicit to publish in full, outlined "demented behaviour" and methods of turning the relationship sexual.
A forensic review of Murdoch's iCloud and messaging accounts uncovered more alarming material. According to police, his medical training appeared to aid in disturbing "dark web hunts," including discussions on conception, forced abortions, and intentionally causing birth defects through drugs and alcohol.
Michigan doctor who allegedly sought sex with 5-year-old arrested in Florida sting.
— 0HOUR (@0HOUR1__) September 3, 2025
Dr. William J. Murdoch was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service for soliciting a parent to consent to the participation of sexual conduct involving a child. pic.twitter.com/OOqiag3R8V
Authorities swiftly obtained a warrant, charging Murdoch with soliciting a parent to consent to sexual conduct involving a child. He is set to be extradited to Florida to face prosecution.
ProMedica , which operates Monroe Regional Hospital where Murdoch worked, said his arrest "triggered an immediate suspension of Dr Murdoch's hospital privileges and a termination of all activity involving the physician."
"This case represents the most depraved abuse of trust imaginable," police said, adding that their work prevented potential harm to children.
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