Charlottesville coach pleads guilty to sexually exploiting at least six minors on social media for years

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) – A Charlottesville virtual bodybuilding trainer pleaded guilty Thursday to multiple counts of child sexual abuse, including sexually exploiting at least six minors over a three-year period via social media.

According to the Eastern District of Virginia Attorney General’s Office, Elliot Atwell, 34, of Charlottesville, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession and access with intent to view child sexual abuse material.

According to court documents, Atwell manipulated at least six minors between December 2013 and April 2020. During that time, he forced them to create child sexual abuse material and send him those videos.

“To gain the victims’ trust and willingness to participate, Atwell sent them gifts, including a digital camera, sex toys, Viagra, lubricants and other items,” the office said in a press release. “Atwell then gave detailed instructions on what sexual activities he wanted to perform and have captured on video.”

In addition, Atwell’s iCloud account was searched. According to court documents, the FBI found over 300 images and video files of child sexual abuse. Some of this content included “images of prepubescent boys engaged in sexual acts.”

Atwell faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years.

The FBI continues to investigate and is committed to locating any other potential victims of Atwell. If you know anything that may be helpful, you are asked to contact the FBI through the hotline either by phone at 800-225-5324 or on-line.