Former Virginia meteorologist Joshua Fitzpatrick, 42, has been arrested in Ohio on charges of sexual extortion. The arrest followed an investigation by the Albemarle County Police Department, which began in late February after a victim reported being extorted with a video taken without their consent. Fitzpatrick allegedly filmed a consensual sexual encounter without the victim’s knowledge and threatened to release the footage.
Authorities issued arrest warrants for Fitzpatrick on April 9, charging him with felony sexual extortion and unlawful creation of an image of another. He relocated to Ohio shortly after the investigation began, leading to his arrest on a fugitive warrant on Tuesday (April 22). Fitzpatrick was scheduled for an extradition hearing but was unavailable due to medical reasons.
Fitzpatrick, who previously worked at WVIR in Charlottesville, left his position in early March as the investigation unfolded. The police believe there may be additional victims and encourage anyone who had contact with Fitzpatrick to reach out to the Albemarle County Police Department.
If convicted, Fitzpatrick could face up to 10 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify any other potential victims.
Recent Comments