A virtual bodybuilding coach from Charlottesville has been sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting minors. Elliott Atwell, 35, admitted guilt in June 2024 to charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography.
Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee stated, "This defendant targeted young people who put their trust in him as a coach and mentor and violated that trust to satisfy his own desires." He expressed gratitude towards the FBI for their role in investigating the case, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable young individuals from online predators.
Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI Richmond Division remarked on the verdict: "FBI Richmond is unwavering in its commitment to seeking justice for victims of child exploitation." He noted the dedication required by agents and analysts involved and affirmed continued efforts to remove harmful predators from communities.
Court documents revealed that between December 2013 and April 2020, Atwell presented himself as a virtual bodybuilding coach for high-school athletes. He approached minors online under the guise of mentorship but shifted conversations towards sex. He manipulated at least six minors into sending nude images and videos while encouraging them to engage in sexually explicit conduct on camera.
Atwell's tactics included sending gifts such as digital cameras to gain victims' trust. His iCloud account contained over 300 illicit images and videos involving minors, including prepubescent boys.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Smith and Trial Attorney Jessica Urban from the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation nationwide. It involves coordination among federal, state, and local resources to apprehend offenders exploiting children via the internet.