Crozet Babysitter Faces Child Pornography Charges

Maxwell Mendell was previously arrested for sexual assault, now faces 46 new indictments

Feb. 5, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Maxwell H. Mendell, a 24-year-old man from Crozet, Virginia, has been charged with 46 counts of possessing and filming child pornography. This comes after Mendell was previously arrested in December and charged with felony aggravated sexual battery and felony indecent liberties with a child.

Why it matters

The new charges against Mendell raise serious concerns about the safety of children in the Charlottesville area, as he was previously employed as a babysitter. The case highlights the need for thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of those entrusted with caring for minors.

The details

According to court records, the 46 new indictments against Mendell were handed down last week. He has also been denied bond. The charges stem from allegations that Mendell possessed and produced child pornography, in addition to the previous sexual assault charges from December.

  • Mendell was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual battery and three counts of indecent liberties with a child in December.
  • The 46 new indictments for child pornography charges were handed down last week.

The players

Maxwell H. Mendell

A 24-year-old man from Crozet, Virginia who was previously employed as a babysitter and has now been charged with 46 counts of possessing and filming child pornography, in addition to previous charges of felony aggravated sexual battery and felony indecent liberties with a child.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether Mendell will be granted bond as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of those entrusted with caring for children, in order to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.