Arrests made in Washington County, Virginia prostitution investigation
Share and Follow


Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new information from the sheriff’s office about additional charges against the suspect.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — A Mount Carmel man traveled to Washington County, Virginia, to meet a juvenile to “take them to Tennessee for sexual acts,” police reported Thursday.

According to a news release from the Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Richard M. Holtzclaw, 51, was arrested after an online child exploitation investigation.

Holtzclaw was reportedly arrested when he traveled to Washington County, Virginia to meet a juvenile, the sheriff’s office stated. He was also reportedly wanted out of Hawkins County.

In total, Holtzclaw was charged with the following:

  • Taking Indecent Liberties with Children – 40 counts
  • Attempted Abduction and Kidnapping – 1 count
  • Possession, Reproduction, Distribution, Solicitation, and Facilitation of Child Pornography – 2 counts
  • Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Certain Offenses Involving Children – 1 count
  • Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – 1 count

As of Thursday, Holtzclaw is being held without bond at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail.

“Detectives are continuing to investigate items seized from his possession that may contain child pornography,” the sheriff’s office said in the release.

On Friday, the sheriff’s office provided an update stating that Holtzclaw had been charged with 50 counts of possession of child pornography.

Sheriff Blake Andis encouraged parents and guardians to be vigilant about their children’s online activity.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Breaking: Massive Law Enforcement Presence Shakes Lee Road, Orange County – What You Need to Know

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – On Monday night, a significant police presence was…

Park City Bids Adieu: Robert Redford and Sundance Film Festival Set for a Transformative Move

The Sundance Film Festival this year carries a touch of nostalgia as…

St. Paul AME Zion Church Celebrates 43rd Annual MLK Day Service with Community Unity and Reflection

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A gathering of local residents at St.…

EU, Russia, and Thailand Invited to Join Trump’s Gaza Peace Board: A New International Diplomatic Initiative

The European Union’s executive branch, along with Russia and Thailand, were the…

Decatur Firefighters Tackle Intense Flames and Suspicious Smoke in Mysterious House Fire

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Authorities are currently probing a “suspicious” blaze that…

Leroy and Olga Williams Honored as Grand Marshals for 2026 MLK Parade: Celebrating Legacy and Leadership

SAVANNAH, Ga. — For almost 30 years, the MLK Day Parade in…

Unlock the Skies: Discover the $45 Solution to Flying Without a REAL ID

If you’re gearing up for air travel soon and your identification isn’t…

Sheinbaum Calms Mexico Amid Rising Tensions Over US Military Activity

MEXICO CITY – On Monday, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico addressed rising…