Former NBC 29 Meteorologist Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanors

Josh Fitzpatrick avoids sexual extortion charge due to statute wording

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Former NBC 29 meteorologist Josh Fitzpatrick pled guilty to one count each of disseminating images of another and filming a non-consented nude person, both misdemeanors, in Albemarle General District Court on Wednesday. The sexual extortion charge previously leveled against Fitzpatrick was dropped due to the wording of the statute. Fitzpatrick was sentenced to one year with 11 months suspended for each charge with time served and will return to his hometown of Gallipolis, Ohio.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors face in applying sexual extortion laws, as well as the ongoing debate around reforming these statutes to better protect victims. It also raises questions about the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into their communities.

The details

Fitzpatrick was initially charged with one count of sexual extortion, two counts of disseminating images, and one count of filming a non-consenting nude person. However, the sexual extortion charge was dropped due to the wording of the crime as outlined in the Code of Virginia, which requires the intent to cause the victim to engage in sexual intercourse. The two charges Fitzpatrick pled guilty to stemmed from an incident on September 24, 2022, while the other charges related to incidents in 2024 were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

  • Fitzpatrick was arrested on May 1, 2026.
  • Fitzpatrick pled guilty on March 4, 2026.
  • The sexual extortion bill passed the Virginia House on February 17, 2026 and is currently being considered by the Senate.

The players

Josh Fitzpatrick

A former NBC 29 meteorologist who pled guilty to one count each of disseminating images of another and filming a non-consented nude person.

W. Lawton Tufts

The Commonwealth's Attorney who was granted a null prosequi on the case, arguing the investigation was still ongoing and additional charges could be identified.

Jessica Phillips

The defense attorney who argued from the beginning that the charge of sexual extortion was not warranted due to the wording of the statute, a position Tufts ultimately agreed with.

Katrina Callsen

The Virginia delegate who has introduced a bill to reword the existing sexual extortion statute.

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What they’re saying

“We want him to go back to Ohio.”

— W. Lawton Tufts, Commonwealth's Attorney (cvillerightnow.com)

“Since Fitzpatrick returned to Gallipolis to live with his parents following his release on bond in June, his mental health has drastically approved, and he has no desire to return to Charlottesville.”

— Jessica Phillips, Defense Attorney (cvillerightnow.com)

What’s next

The bill introduced by Delegate Katrina Callsen to reword the existing sexual extortion statute is currently being considered by the Virginia Senate.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for lawmakers to carefully review and update sexual extortion laws to ensure they effectively protect victims while also allowing for appropriate prosecution of offenders. It also underscores the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration efforts for those convicted of such crimes.