CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Josh Fitzpatrick, the former 29 News meteorologist accused of sexual extortion, is free on bond.

The agreement was reached in Albemarle Circuit Court on Tuesday, June 5, 2025. The $25,000 bond came on three conditions: that Fitzpatrick live at his parents’ house in Ohio, have no contact with an individual only identified by their initials, and no access to the internet while on release. He is permitted to have a flip phone for calls and texts.

In addition to felony sexual extortion, he was charged with one count of filming without consent and two counts of dissemination of materials. The latter three charges are all misdemeanors.

Fitzpatrick was denied bond during his last bond hearing because the prosecution was still looking through videos and expected to file additional charges. Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney W. Lawton Tufts said during Thursday’s hearing that while three additional victims had come forward, changes in Virginia’s sexual extortion statute would have resulted in misdemeanor charges and that no further charges will be filed

One count of felony sexual extortion can carry up to 10 years in prison.

Fitzpatrick will be back in court for a preliminary hearing on the charges he does face in September.