CHARLESTON — A state delegate, and public school teacher has been charged in federal court with enticement of a minor, according to court records.
Del. Elliott Pritt, 36, (R-Fayette) appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dwane Tinsley after being charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
The federal charge alleges Pritt used internet-based platforms and cellular communications to knowingly persuade, induce, entice or coerce a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, according to the complaint filed in the case.
A federal affidavit filed by investigators alleges the conduct involved a 15-year-old girl and occurred between May 2025 and July 2026. Investigators said Pritt communicated with the girl through online platforms, beginning with the gaming platform Roblox before the conversations moved to Snapchat.
According to the affidavit, the communications became increasingly personal and later turned sexual. Investigators allege Pritt requested photographs from the girl that became increasingly explicit and that the two exchanged sexually explicit videos during 2025 and 2026.
The affidavit states Pritt began communicating with the girl during the 2024-25 school year, when she was in eighth grade. Investigators also allege he communicated with at least one other female student outside of school.
Court documents allege Pritt later arranged meetings with the girl at his classroom at Oak Hill High School in Fayette County, performing sexual acts. Investigators said the last alleged physical encounter occurred around December 2025 or January 2026, while communications continued through Snapchat into July.
Investigators also allege Pritt sent messages discouraging the girl from telling others about the alleged relationship.
The girl’s family reported the allegations to police on July 9, according to court records.
Following the charges, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw removed Pritt from his official legislative assignments and called for him to resign from the House of Delegates.
Fayette County Schools said it is aware of the allegations and is cooperating with law enforcement. The district said it could not provide further comment because the investigation is ongoing.
Pritt has taught social studies and history in Fayette County schools and has served in the House of Delegates since 2022. He was first elected as a Democrat before changing his party affiliation to Republican in 2023 and winning reelection.
The federal case remains pending.
