Zachary T. Lee Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
Todd Stewart Williams, Vice Chairman of the Smyth County School Board, was arrested at his home on federal charges related to child exploitation. According to court documents, Williams is accused of spending more than $10,000 between May 2022 and January 2024 to entice at least six minors into sending nude images and sexually explicit videos.
United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Christopher R. Kavanaugh, stated: “Sexual exploitation and abuse have grown exponentially through the use of the internet, especially its online gaming platforms. The safety and well-being of children in our communities are top priorities of my Office, and we are committed to the joint efforts with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue these perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.”
Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Field Office, said: “This case is a reminder of the constant threat of child exploitation minors face online. Whether an offender sexually abuses a child in person or online, the FBI and our partners will continue to seek justice for innocent victims by holding offenders accountable.”
The investigation began in September 2022 when a 15-year-old from Oklahoma reported that Williams had used Snapchat under the username “todd_w3411” to request nude images and videos. The teen told investigators he met Williams in a Snapchat group for gay teenage males. After connecting through chat messages, Williams offered to make purchases within an online video game in exchange for explicit photos from the teen.
Between May 1 and October 1, 2022, Williams allegedly sent over $2,000 to this teenager for nude images and videos. Following this report, FBI agents in Richmond started their own investigation into Williams’s activities on Snapchat.
The FBI uncovered several instances where Williams is alleged to have exploited minors. In one case, he communicated with a then-12-year-old via Snapchat and offered gifts for an online game before offering money for nude content; he paid nearly $1,000 between August 2022 and January 2024.
In another instance from January 2023, Williams met a different teen on Snapchat whom he paid to produce images and videos depicting sexual abuse involving his younger stepbrother who was ten years old at the time. The complaint states that when Cash App payment limits were reached, Williams mailed a debit card hidden inside shoes so payments could continue. Over six months, more than $3,500 was paid for such material.
Williams also allegedly paid over $3,000 to another teenage boy on Snapchat for explicit content involving him and his boyfriend.
Authorities encourage anyone with information or concerns about this matter or possible victimization to contact the FBI Richmond Division.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues its investigation into these allegations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint represents only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
