The former vice chair of the Smyth County School Board pleaded guilty Thursday to using at least six male minors to produce child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia.
Todd Stewart Williams, 54, of Chilhowie, pleaded guilty to four counts of persuading, inducing, enticing, and coercing and attempting to persuade, induce, entice and coerce one or more minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, in interstate commerce, according to a news release.
“The internet has expanded the manner in which young people can be targeted by those looking to exploit them,” acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee said in the release. “Importantly, this case demonstrates that even those who are entrusted by our communities to oversee the welfare of our children may harbor intentions to exploit them, and for that reason we must be ever vigilant and responsive when our young people report abuse.”
The FBI’s investigation uncovered multiple instances of Williams’ exploitation of multiple minors. Williams spent more than $10,000 buying nude images from at least six underage male victims, the release states.
Williams was arrested and charged last August, leading his fellow school board members to call on him to resign. He did so the following week.
At sentencing, Williams faces 15-30 years in prison.
