Former West Virginia Lawmaker Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
Elliott Pritt admits to exchanging explicit imagery with an underage student while holding office.
1Guilty Plea Entered
Former West Virginia Republican delegate Elliott Pritt pleaded guilty to attempted production of child pornography on November 10. The 36-year-old admitted to exchanging explicit images with a 14-year-old student via Snapchat. This plea, entered before US District Judge Irene C. Berger, concludes the legal proceedings regarding his initial three-count federal indictment.
2Nature of Communications
The illicit interactions reportedly spanned from June 2025 until January 2026. Pritt admitted to sending explicit photographs of himself and pressuring the minor to provide similar content. The investigation revealed that these communications originated on the gaming platform Roblox before transitioning to Snapchat, where the exchange of over ten explicit images occurred.
3Plea Agreement Details
Under the terms of the federal plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to dismiss two additional charges: enticement of a minor and attempting to persuade a minor to withhold information from law enforcement. Pritt is required to surrender all electronic devices, including his mobile phone and laptop, which were central to the federal investigation.
4Career Consequences
Following his arrest on July 22, Pritt resigned from the West Virginia House of Delegates on July 27. Simultaneously, his employment as a public school teacher in Fayette County was terminated. His teaching certification has been suspended, effectively ending both his political career and his professional standing within the state's education system.
5Sentencing and Penalties
Pritt faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison. Additionally, he may be fined up to $250,000 and must register as a sex offender upon release. A period of supervised release, lasting at least five years, will follow his eventual incarceration in federal custody.
6Judicial Timeline
The formal sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for March 4, 2027, presided over by Judge Irene C. Berger in Charleston. The case was brought to light through a collaborative investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations and the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, which formally indicted Pritt on three counts on August 19, 2026.
7Breach of Public Trust
US Attorney Moore Capito emphasized that the guilty plea addresses a significant breach of trust. Because Pritt held positions as both an elected official and a public educator, his actions have sparked renewed concerns regarding the safeguarding of students and the professional responsibilities of adults in positions of authority over minors.
8Broader Implications
The case highlights the vulnerability of minors on digital platforms like Roblox and Snapchat. By abusing his authority, Pritt violated the safety standards expected of public servants and teachers. This conviction serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for those who exploit their positions to target vulnerable students online.