Former West Virginia Delegate Indicted on Child Exploitation Charges

David Elliott Pritt, a former West Virginia delegate and teacher, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to child exploitation. This indictment comes months after he co-sponsored a bill aimed at increasing penalties for sexual offenses against minors committed by adults in trusted positions.

Pritt, aged 36, switched his political affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 2023. He now faces three felony charges: sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement of a child, and witness tampering, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Federal prosecutors claim Pritt coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for producing visual depictions between March 2024 and January 2026. He is also accused of attempting to intimidate the minor to prevent her from contacting law enforcement. The minor is reportedly a 15-year-old student from Oak Hill High School in Fayette County, where Pritt taught.

Pritt was arrested on July 22 following a thorough investigation. Despite Newsweek reaching out for a comment, his public defender has yet to respond.

Details of HB 4695

Pritt co-sponsored a piece of legislation earlier this year designed to impose harsher penalties for sexual offenses against minors, particularly by those in trustworthy positions. House Bill 4695 in West Virginia proposed to increase prison sentences and fines for these offenses. It included attempts of sexual exploitation of a child as an offense and aimed to double the sentence for such crimes from 20 to 40 years.

The bill also included stringent penalties for those in trusted roles who possess, distribute, or display material visually depicting a minor under their care, custody, or control engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

While HB 4695 cleared the House, it failed to progress in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

According to prosecutors, Pritt served as a delegate and teacher during the time of the alleged crimes. Following his arrest in July, he was removed from roles linked to his legislative position. On August 4, Pritt voluntarily withdrew his candidacy for reelection to the state House.

West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw expressed his disapproval, labeling the allegations “shocking, disgusting, and disappointing.” He stressed the importance of protecting minors from exploitation, particularly by trusted adults charged with their development and care.

U.S. Attorney Moore Capito encouraged parents and caregivers to openly discuss inappropriate behavior with children as they begin the new school year. He emphasized the need for children to feel safe reporting potential grooming or abuse.

Pritt waived his right to a preliminary hearing on July 27. Capito addressed the matter following the hearing, stressing the importance of awareness regarding child safety. Currently, Pritt remains in custody at the Carter County Detention Center.