Grand jury indicts Republican West Virginia delegate on child exploitation charges after he pushed bill to increase prison time for child abusers
A former West Virginia state delegate and teacher has been indicted on federal child exploitation charges, months after co-sponsoring legislation that sought tougher penalties for offenses against minors.
Allegations against David Elliot Pritt
David Elliott Pritt, 36, faces three felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement of a child and witness tampering, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia announced.
Federal prosecutors allege Pritt coerced a minor girl into engaging in explicit conduct between March 2024 and January 2026, including for the “purpose of producing visual depictions” of the conduct.
Pritt is also accused of attempting to intimidate the minor to prevent her from reporting the alleged conduct to law enforcement.
The allegations involve a 15-year-old student at Oak Hill High School in Fayette County, where Pritt worked as a teacher. He was arrested July 22 following an investigation.
Pritt, who switched his political affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 2023, had served in the West Virginia House of Delegates while the alleged offenses occurred.
Pushed for tougher penalties
Earlier this year, Pritt co-sponsored House Bill 4695, legislation that sought substantially tougher penalties for offenses against minors, particularly offenses committed by adults in positions of trust.
Among its provisions, the bill sought to increase the prison sentence for certain offenses from 20 years to 40 years. It also proposed doubling penalties for people in positions of trust who knowingly possess, send, distribute or display explicit material involving children under their care.
The legislation passed the House but stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Pritt was removed from all roles connected to his legislative service following his July arrest. On August 4, he voluntarily withdrew his candidacy for reelection.
‘Shocking, disgusting and disappointing’
West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw described the accusations as “shocking, disgusting and disappointing.”
“No child should ever be exploited by anyone, especially by the adults placed in positions of trust and charged with preparing young people,” Hanshaw said.
U.S. Attorney Moore Capito also urged parents and caregivers to encourage children to report potentially 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 said.
Pritt waived his right to a preliminary hearing July 27. He remains in custody at the Carter County Detention Center.