David Elliott Pritt indicted on federal child exploitation charges

A federal grand jury has indicted former West Virginia state delegate and teacher David Elliott Pritt on three felony counts: sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement of a child, and witness tampering.

Federal prosecutors allege that between March 2024 and January 2026, Pritt coerced a minor female into engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including the production of visual depictions. The indictment further alleges that in June 2025, Pritt attempted to intimidate or persuade the minor to delay or prevent reporting the conduct to law enforcement.

Pritt, 36, was a teacher at Oak Hill High School in Fayette County. He was arrested on July 22, resigned from the House of Delegates shortly after, and was subsequently terminated by the Fayette County Board of Education. Pritt, who changed his political affiliation from Democrat to Republican in 2023, has also withdrawn his name from the November general election ballot.

Notably, Pritt had previously co-sponsored West Virginia House Bill 4695, legislation aimed at increasing prison sentences and fines for sexual offenses against minors, particularly those committed by individuals in positions of trust.