West Virginia Republican Delegate David Elliott Pritt has resigned from the House of Delegates days after he was arrested on charges of alleged sexual activity with a 15-year-old student.
ABC News reports that, according to federal court documents filed on July 22, the 36-year-old middle school teacher is accused of enticing an eighth-grade student at the school he taught at using Roblox and Snapchat.
The complaint details that he allegedly told her “he loved her” in online messages, which by the summer of 2025 had progressed to him sending sexually explicit photos, before initiating a physical sexual relationship with her by the end of 2025.
“Shocking, sickening and deeply disturbing”
The minor in question told investigators that Pritt asked her to come to his classroom at Oak Hill School on 5-10 occasions, where he is said to have engaged in sexual activity with her. Investigators say the sexual encounters ended by January 2026, but that Pritt requested sexually explicit images from the girl right up until July 2026.
The complaint also alleges that Pritt told the girl she’d better not tell anyone this was happening or it would “open up hell in our lives.” However, the child’s family learned of the allegations, reported them to authorities, and a Homeland Security Investigations unit began an investigation on July 9.
Fayette County Schools acknowledged the charges and said:
“Fayette County Schools is aware of the reported federal charges involving a Fayette County Schools employee. Because this is an active investigation, we are unable to provide additional comment at this time. Fayette County Schools will fully cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation progresses. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
After the allegations broke, the West Virginia Republican Party went into crisis mode. As reported by WVVA, they moved to disavow Pritt, reportedly the first time that the West Virginia GOP has ever formally moved to expel a member.
Delegate Josh Holstein, chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party, underlined that “The West Virginia Republican Party has zero tolerance for the exploitation or abuse of children”, and said:
“The allegations against Delegate Elliott Pritt are shocking, sickening and deeply disturbing. While every person is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process under the law, charges involving the exploitation and abuse of children strikes at the core of the public trust. It is simply unconscionable.”
Meanwhile, 82 of the 100 House of Delegates members signed a letter requesting that Gov. Patrick Morrisey call the House for a special session solely to remove Pritt from his position. But, before they could do this, Pritt resigned.
Republican House Speaker Roger Hanshaw said:
“As many of us had requested as soon as these heinous accusations were brought to light, Elliott Pritt resigned from public service today. Our thoughts remain with these families and these victims.”
Pritt is currently in federal custody and yesterday waived his preliminary hearing and detention hearing. As of writing, he has not entered a plea to the charge of coercion and enticement of a minor.
Published: Jul 28, 2026 08:51 am