OAK HILL, W.Va. — Former West Virginia lawmaker and Fayette County educator David Elliott Pritt is facing three federal felony charges following a grand jury indictment alleging sexual exploitation of a minor.
U.S. Attorney Moore Capito announced Wednesday that Pritt, 36, was indicted 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, as well as the use of the internet and cellular networks.
Federal prosecutors say Pritt attempted to intimidate and persuade the minor in June 2026 to prevent information about a possible federal crime from being reported to law enforcement. He was arrested on July 22.
At the time of the alleged offenses, Pritt 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.
Authorities are asking anyone with information relevant to the case to contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at 304‑574‑4268.
