Crime & Safety
VA Bodybuilding Coach Charged With Child Exploitation: FBI
Elliott Atwell of Charlottesville is accused of enticing multiple minors to film themselves engaging in sex acts, authorities said.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — A Virginia bodybuilding coach is facing multiple charges after federal authorities said he sexually exploited and enticed several minors over multiple years, according to the FBI and an indictment unsealed this week.
A federal grand jury has charged Elliott Atwell, 33, of Charlottesville, with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of enticement of a minor, and one count of possession of child pornography, according to an FBI news release.
According to the indictment, between December 2013 and April 2020, Atwell convinced at least six minors to record themselves engaging in sexually explicit activities and then send the recordings to him.
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Atwell was working as a virtual bodybuilding coach when the incidents took place, authorities said.
Atwell was arrested this week. If convicted, he could face life in prison, according to court documents.
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The investigation into the case is ongoing. Authorities said anyone who believes they or someone they know may have been victimized by Atwell should contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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