A federal grand jury has indicted former West Virginia delegate and teacher David Elliott Pritt on charges related to child exploitation. This indictment comes months after Pritt co-sponsored a bill advocating for harsher penalties for sexual offenses involving minors. Pritt, who switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party in 2023, is facing three felony charges. These charges include sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement of a child, and witness tampering, as declared by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Federal prosecutors accuse Pritt of coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit activities from March 2024 to January 2026. The purpose was to produce visual depictions of the conduct. He also allegedly attempted to intimidate the minor to prevent her from disclosing information to law enforcement.
According to Newsweek, the case involves a 15-year-old student from Oak Hill High School, where Pritt used to teach. His arrest took place on July 22, following an in-depth investigation. Pritt’s public defender has been contacted by Newsweek for comments.
HB 4695 Proposal
Earlier this year, Pritt co-sponsored a bill that aimed to increase prison sentences and fines for sexual offenses against minors, specifically by those in positions of trust. West Virginia House Bill 4695 proposed to add attempts at child sexual exploitation to offenses covering parents, guardians, and others in trust positions. The bill sought to double the maximum prison sentence for this offense from 20 to 40 years. Furthermore, HB 4695 aimed to enforce stronger penalties for individuals in trust positions who knowingly possess, send, distribute, or display any material visually depicting a minor in their care engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The House passed the legislation, yet it failed to progress through the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Pritt held positions as both a delegate in the West Virginia House and as a teacher during the periods when the alleged offenses occurred. Following his July arrest, he was removed from all legislative roles and withdrew from his reelection campaign on August 4.
West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw expressed his dismay over the allegations, labeling them as “shocking, disgusting, and disappointing.” Hanshaw emphasized that children should never be exploited, especially by those entrusted with their education and care.
U.S. Attorney Moore Capito urged parents and guardians to communicate with children about reporting any inappropriate behavior. “Our children need to know that they can safely report and talk about any situation that potentially involves grooming, inappropriate behavior, or abuse,” Capito remarked.
Pritt waived his right to a preliminary hearing on July 27. Capito commented on the case following the hearing.
Currently, Pritt remains detained at Carter County Detention Center. He is married and has four children.
Contact Newsweek editors for more information about this story: Edward T. Cummins.