Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former State Delegate On Charges Of Sexual Exploitation Of A Child

United States Attorney Moore Capito announced Wednesday that former teacher David Elliott Pritt was indicted on three felony counts: sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement of a child, and tampering with a witness, victim, or informant. 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Pritt is scheduled to appear in court for an Initial Appearance, Arraignment and Detention Hearing on Monday, Aug. 24. 

Pritt was initially arrested last month after a criminal complaint accused him of coercing and sexually assaulting an underaged female student. At the time of the alleged offenses, Pritt was employed as a teacher with Fayette County Schools and represented District 50 in Fayette County in the West Virginia House of Delegates. Following his arrest, Pritt resigned from the West Virginia Legislature and the Fayette County Board of Education suspended and then terminated his employment. He also withdrew his name from the general election ballot.  

The indictment alleges that from in or about March 2024 through in or about January 2026, Pritt attempted to and did persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct, and from in or about June 2025 through in or about January 2026 did so for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such sexually explicit conduct using the internet and cellular networks. The indictment further alleges that on or about June 20, 2026, Pritt attempted to intimidate and persuade the minor female with the intent to hinder, delay, and prevent the communication of information relating to the commission and possible commission of a federal crime to a law enforcement officer. 

Capito reiterated this is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to talk to their kids. 

“With West Virginia’s children returning to school this month, now is another opportunity for parents and caregivers to have those important conversations with their kids,” Capito said. “Our children need to know that they can safely report and talk about any situation that potentially involves grooming, inappropriate behavior, or abuse.” 

Capito also continued to encourage anyone with information relevant to this case to contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at (304) 574-4268. 

Read the full indictment below: