Ohio authorities have arrested former beloved NBC29 meteorologist Josh Fitzpatrick in connection with a disturbing extortion case involving explicit material. Fitzpatrick was once a familiar face to Charlottesville, Virginia, news viewers for his weather forecasts and affable on-air personality. He now finds himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation spanning multiple states.
Authorities in Albemarle County, Virginia, announced Fitzpatrick’s charges, including felony sexual extortion and unlawful creation of an image of another person. The alleged victim filed the complaint, reporting that they were secretly recorded during a consensual sexual encounter. According to investigators, Fitzpatrick later used the video to threaten and attempt to manipulate the individual, WVIR reported.
The investigation began earlier this year after the victim provided evidence. The Albemarle County Police Department worked with other law enforcement agencies to track Fitzpatrick, who relocated to Ohio shortly after leaving his position at NBC29 in early March 2025.
There could be more victims
On April 22, Ohio police arrested Fitzpatrick on a fugitive warrant. After his extradition, Fitzgerald will face charges in Virginia. No court date has been set.
“This is a serious case involving the misuse of trust and the violation of another person’s privacy,” Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney James Hingeleys said in a statement. “We commend the victim for their courage in coming forward, and we are continuing to investigate whether other individuals may have been impacted.”
Officials believe there could be additional victims and are encouraging anyone who may have had contact with Fitzpatrick under similar circumstances to reach out to the Albemarle County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at (434) 296-5807.
Fitzgerald was a popular feature on Charlottesville news
Josh Fitzpatrick was a long-time meteorologist known to viewers in both Virginia and West Virginia. Before his time at NBC29 in Charlottesville, he worked at WSAZ-TV in Huntington, WV. Over the years, he earned multiple accolades, including being named “Best of Charlottesville TV Personality” by C-VILLE Weekly in 2018 and 2019. His departure from NBC29 earlier this year was sudden and not publicly explained at the time, though it now appears to have coincided with the start of the criminal investigation, according to the Augusta Free Press.
The news has sent shockwaves through the community and left many in disbelief. Viewers who once tuned in to see Fitzpatrick’s weather reports now struggle to reconcile the public persona with the serious allegations he faces.
NBC29 has not issued an official statement regarding Fitzpatrick’s arrest but has removed all references to him from its website and social media platforms. A source close to the station, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the team is “shocked and deeply saddened” by the situation.
Legal experts say Fitzpatrick could be facing significant prison time if convicted. In Virginia, sexual extortion is a felony offense and can carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, while the unlawful creation of explicit images without consent is also considered a serious crime under state law.
As the investigation unfolds, attention will likely turn to Fitzpatrick’s digital footprint and whether other victims can be identified. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as they build their case.
Published: Apr 24, 2025 12:36 pm