W.Va. Delegate resigns after criminal charge

CHARLESTON, W.Va . (WSAZ) - A West Virginia Delegate has resigned, according to House Speaker Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay County).

Del. David Elliott Pritt (R-Fayette County), who is also a teacher in Fayette County, submitted his resignation letter Monday after being charged with enticement of a minor last week.

According to the criminal complaint, Pritt allegedly sent explicit photographs to the juvenile victim, communicating over Roblox and Snapchat. The complaint also states the victim reported being sexually abused by Pritt.

Pritt appeared in federal court Monday, where he waived a preliminary hearing and detention hearing. As such, he will remain in federal custody for the duration of his case.

U.S. Attorney Moore Capito said in a press conference after the court proceedings that this is a lesson for parents communicate with their children, even if those conversations are difficult.

“Remember that crimes against children and grooming is not socio-economically blind,” he said. “It can happen to the wealthiest child in West Virginia just as easily as it can happen to that that is the most impoverished.”

“So have those difficult conversations with your children,” he continued. “Make them age-appropriate, let them know that if people are testing your comfort zones, to come to you as parents and talk about it.”

Pritt was a member of leadership in the West Virginia House of Delegates, as the Assistant Majority Leader, before Speaker Hanshaw removed him from that position last week.

Del. J.B. Akers (R-Kanawha), who serves as the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, watched the proceedings from the courtroom Monday, and called the situation “embarrassing.”

When WSAZ asked how House leadership felt about the allegations against Pritt, Akers replied, “disgust, shock, just complete abhorrence.”

“I don’t want to be dramatic, but these are evil allegations,” he said. “[Speaker Hanshaw] is personally disgusted by the allegations, and really we all are. It’s just awful to watch.”

House Speaker Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay County) gave the following statement Monday:

Josh Holstein, party chair of the West Virginia Republican Party, said:

Last week, the West Virginia Department of Education suspended Pritt’s teaching license.

His teacher’s certification was also suspended last week, according to the West Virginia Department of Education.

Previous coverage can be found here.