(The Center Square) – Calls to resign have been made following West Virginia state Del. David Elliott Pritt’s arrest.

Pritt, R-Fayette, is charged with coercion and enticement of a 15-year-old – a minor – and sexual assault in the third degree. He’s assistant majority leader in the House of Delegates.

Homeland Security’s two-week investigation climaxed with U.S. marshals taking him into custody.

Pritt, 36, is a teacher at Oak Hill High and previously taught in a Fayette County middle school. The victim was an eighth grader when contact began in 2024 or 2025, according to an affidavit.

Pritt represents District 50. He was first elected in 2022 and is running for reelection this year. There was no opponent for him in the May primary.

Published reports, and his legislative biography page, say Pritt is a married father of four. He’s a veteran, having served in the Air Force from 2008-14 advancing to staff sergeant specializing in communication, navigation and mission systems.

Pritt has been removed from all roles connected to his service in the House, said House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. He called for Pritt to resign. 

Del. Josh Holstein, R-Boone, and chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party, said in a statement, “Given the seriousness of these federal charges, Delegate Pritt should immediately resign from the West Virginia House of Delegates. The people of his district deserve representation that is beyond reproach, and these allegations make it impossible for him to effectively serve.”

A statement from the House said, “While these are disturbing allegations and we all should be concerned about the welfare of this student, there is a presumption of innocence and a legal process that must be permitted to proceed; the delegate remains a delegate unless or until he resigns or the House as a body takes action to remove him from the seat to which he was elected.”