Ohio authorities have arrested former beloved NBC29 meteorologist Josh Fitzpatrick in connection with a disturbing extortion case involving explicit material. Fitzpatrick was once a familiar face to Charlottesville, Virginia, news viewers for his weather forecasts and affable on-air personality. He now finds himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation spanning multiple states.
Fitzpatrick has been charged in Albemarle County, Virginia, with felony sexual extortion and unlawful creation of an image of another person. The victim filed a complaint alleging they were secretly recorded during a consensual sexual encounter. Investigators believe Fitzpatrick used the video to threaten and manipulate the individual, as reported by WVIR.
The investigation began earlier this year, after the victim provided evidence. The Albemarle County Police Department collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to locate Fitzpatrick, who moved to Ohio shortly after leaving his job at NBC29 in early March 2025.
There could be more victims
On April 22, Ohio police apprehended Fitzpatrick on a fugitive warrant. Following his extradition, Fitzgerald will face charges in Virginia. No court date has been scheduled.
“This is a serious case involving the misuse of trust and a violation of another person’s privacy,” Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney James Hingeleys said in a statement. “We commend the victim for their courage in coming forward, and we are continuing to investigate whether other individuals may have been impacted.”
Officials believe there may be additional victims and encourage anyone who had contact with Fitzpatrick in similar circumstances to contact the Albemarle County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at (434) 296-5807.
Fitzgerald was a popular feature on Charlottesville news
Josh Fitzpatrick had been a well-known meteorologist in Virginia and West Virginia for many years. Before joining NBC29 in Charlottesville, he worked for WSAZ-TV in Huntington, West Virginia. He has received numerous accolades over the years, including being named “Best of Charlottesville TV Personality” by C-VILLE Weekly in 2018 and 2019.
His abrupt departure from NBC29 earlier this year coincided with the start of a criminal investigation, as reported by the Augusta Free Press.
The news has caused shockwaves throughout the community, leaving many in disbelief. Viewers who used to tune in for Fitzpatrick’s weather reports are now struggling to reconcile his public persona with the serious allegations he faces.
NBC29 has not released an official statement regarding Fitzpatrick’s arrest, but all references to him have been removed from its website and social media platforms. A source close to the station, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that the team is “shocked and deeply saddened” by the situation.
Legal experts believe Fitzpatrick could face significant prison time if convicted. In Virginia, sexual extortion is a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Additionally, creating explicit images without consent is a serious crime under state law.
As the investigation progresses, the focus will likely shift to Fitzpatrick’s digital footprint and whether other victims can be identified. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as they prepare their case.
