U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh | U.S. Department of Justice
A Charlottesville-based virtual bodybuilding coach has been sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting minors. Elliott Atwell, aged 35, admitted guilt in June 2024 to charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography.
"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," stated Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee. He commended the FBI's efforts in investigating the case, which he said highlighted the vulnerability of young people to online predators.
Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI Richmond Division emphasized their commitment to justice for victims: "Today's guilty verdict is the culmination of years of relentless work and dedication by our agents and analysts."
Court documents reveal that between December 2013 and April 2020, Atwell used his role as a virtual bodybuilding coach to engage with high-school bodybuilders online. He would shift conversations from mentoring to discussing sex, encouraging minors to send explicit photos and videos. Atwell manipulated at least six minors into recording themselves engaging in sexually explicit acts for him.
To gain trust, Atwell sent gifts like digital cameras and provided instructions on what sexual activities he wanted recorded. A search of Atwell’s iCloud account revealed over 300 images and videos depicting minors engaged in explicit conduct.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Smith and Trial Attorney Jessica Urban prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through federal, state, and local resources.
