Full Breakdown
West Virginia Delegate David Elliott Pritt Charged with Enticing a Minor
7/24/2026, 2:41:47 PM
Core Event
Republican Delegate David Elliott Pritt, 36, assistant majority leader of the West Virginia House of Delegates, was arrested by U.S. Marshals and charged with coercion, enticement of a minor and third-degree sexual assault. The federal complaint says Pritt used Roblox and Snapchat to contact a 15-year-old student, obtained explicit images and engaged in sexual acts in his classroom on “approximately five to ten occasions” between the 2024-2025 school year and July 2026.
Background & Context
Pritt was first elected in 2022, switched parties in 2023 and also teaches in the Fayette County school system, placing him in direct contact with the alleged victim.
Data & Statistics
- Alleged encounters: 5-10
- Platforms: Roblox, then Snapchat
- Charges: Enticement of a minor, coercion, third-degree sexual assault
- Key dates: Victim’s family contacted law enforcement on July 9; investigators interviewed the victim on July 10
Official Statements & Responses
- House Speaker Roger Hanshaw removed Pritt from legislative roles and urged resignation.
- Ann Ali, House spokesperson, noted the presumption of innocence and that Pritt remains a delegate unless he resigns or is removed.
- Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle called the allegations “disturbing and vile.”
- Delegate Mike Pushkin said the allegations, if true, constitute a “betrayal of trust.”
- Chairman Josh Holstein of the state GOP demanded an “immediate resignation.”
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic delegates condemned the alleged conduct and called for Pritt’s removal, emphasizing student safety and public trust.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Timeline: One source says the last alleged act occurred in Dec 2025/Jan 2026; another indicates requests continued through July 2026.
- Number of encounters: The complaint cites “approximately five to ten” incidents; the exact count is unspecified.
- Corporate response: Roblox and Snapchat did not comment, leaving their awareness of the alleged grooming unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My heart aches for his family, and if any part of these serious allegations are true, the law should be applied in full force,” — Roger Hanshaw
What’s Next
Pritt is held at the Carter County Detention Center pending arraignment. The House is reviewing expulsion procedures, which require a two-thirds vote. His seat is up for election this fall, and the case will proceed through the federal criminal system.
