A federal grand jury has indicted David Elliott Pritt, a former West Virginia delegate and teacher, on multiple child exploitation charges. Pritt, who recently changed his political affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 2023, faces serious allegations, including three felony counts: sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement of a child, and witness tampering. This announcement was made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Pritt is accused of coercing a minor girl into sexually explicit conduct between March 2024 and January 2026. The charges suggest that he aimed to produce visual depictions of this conduct. Additionally, he allegedly attempted to intimidate the minor to prevent her from reporting the incidents to law enforcement.
“Our children need to know that they can safely report and talk about any situation that potentially involves grooming, inappropriate behavior, or abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Moore Capito.
The allegations involve a 15-year-old student at Oak Hill High School in Fayette County, where Pritt taught. His arrest followed an investigation and occurred on July 22. Newsweek has reached out to his public defender for comment.
What Did HB 4695 Propose?
Earlier this year, Pritt co-sponsored legislation aiming to increase penalties for sexual offenses against minors, especially by those in positions of trust. House Bill 4695 sought to double the prison sentence, proposing an increase from 20 to 40 years for such offenses.
The bill included provisions for attempts to sexually exploit a child and increased penalties for possessing or distributing material of a child engaged in explicit conduct. Though the bill passed the House, it didn’t advance in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Pritt, who served in the West Virginia House of Delegates and as a teacher, has been removed from all legislative roles following his arrest. On August 4, he withdrew from running for reelection to the state House.
West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw expressed his disapproval, stating, “No child should ever be exploited by anyone, especially by the adults placed in positions of trust.”
Pritt, married with four children, is currently detained at the Carter County Detention Center. On July 27, he waived his right to a preliminary hearing. The case is under review by federal prosecutors.