Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) A former lawmaker and Fayette County educator is facing three federal felony charges following an investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation of a child.
U.S. Attorney Moore Capito says a federal grand jury indicted 36-year-old David Elliott Pritt on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement of a child, and witness tampering.
According to the indictment, the alleged offenses occurred between March 2024 and January 2026 and involved a minor female and the use of the internet and cellular networks.
The indictment also alleges Pritt attempted to intimidate and persuade the minor in June of this year to prevent information about a possible federal crime from being reported to law enforcement.
Pritt was arrested July 22.
At the time of the alleged offenses, he was employed as a teacher with Fayette County Schools and represented a Fayette County district in the West Virginia House of Delegates.
He later resigned from the Legislature, and the Fayette County Board of Education terminated his employment.
The charges are allegations, and Pritt is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Anyone with information relevant to the case is asked to contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at 304-574-4268.
