Former Meteorologist Arrested for Sexual Extortion Charges in Ohio

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Former WVIR-TV meteorologist Joshua Wade Fitzpatrick, 42, was arrested Tuesday in Ohio on a fugitive warrant related to felony sexual extortion and unlawful creation of an image of another. Fitzpatrick is currently being held in Ohio, awaiting extradition to Virginia.

According to court records from Gallia County, Fitzpatrick was set for an extradition hearing on the morning of his arrest. Albemarle County police indicated that the investigation into Fitzpatrick began on February 28, leading to warrants issued on April 9.

The allegations claim that Fitzpatrick filmed a sexual encounter without the subject’s consent and later threatened to release the video. “The victim reported that after a consensual encounter, they were extorted and threatened with the release of a video taken without their knowledge,” a police statement noted.

Fitzpatrick, who served as the chief meteorologist for Charlottesville-based 29News for nearly a decade, left the station in early March. His departure coincided with the ongoing investigation, prompting him to relocate to Ohio.

“With the assistance of Ohio law enforcement, Fitzpatrick was arrested on April 22,” police said in a news release. “His next court dates in Virginia will be scheduled once he returns.”

The police statement also indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe there may be additional victims. Albemarle County police encourage anyone with information related to Fitzpatrick to contact Detective M. Schneider at 434-296-5807.

The implications of the charges are serious; a conviction for extortion can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years, while a misdemeanor for unlawful photographing could result in up to one year in jail. It is unclear if Fitzpatrick currently has legal representation.