CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A Charlottesville-based virtual bodybuilding coach, who sexually exploited at least six minors over the course of three years, had pleaded guilty to federal child exploitation and child pornography charges. 34-year old Elliott Atwell pleaded guilty Thursday in Charlottesville federal court to one court of sexual exploitation of a minor, and one count of possession of child porn. According to court documents, between December 2013 and April 2020, Atwell manipulated at least six minors to record themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct and then send those recordings to him. In efforts to gain the victims’ trust and willingness to participate, Atwell sent them gifts, including a digital camera, sex toys, Viagra, lubricant and other items.

He faces a maximum 30 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum 15 when sentenced at a to-be-determined date. The FBI remains committed to identifying and pursuing potential additional victims of Atwell’s conduct, and anyone with information can contact the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or reach out online at https://tips.fbi.gov/home.