Berkeley County, WV – A 20-year-old Virginia man has been arrested and charged following a multi-state investigation into the alleged sexual assault and exploitation of a 12-year-old girl, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, Elijah Antonio Womack, 20, of Dale City, Virginia, was arrested on a Berkeley County warrant after investigators identified him as the suspect in an investigation that began on July 7.
Authorities said a juvenile victim disclosed that she had allegedly been sexually assaulted after meeting an adult male through social media. During the investigation, detectives determined that portions of the alleged criminal conduct crossed multiple state lines, prompting coordination with numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Investigators said digital evidence, surveillance video, witness interviews, forensic analysis, and physical evidence led to Womack’s identification within hours of receiving the report. According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation also revealed evidence that Womack allegedly used electronic communications to contact the child and recorded sexually explicit acts involving the juvenile.
Womack has been charged with:
- Sexual Assault in the Third Degree
- Soliciting a Minor via Computer
- Filming a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, additional charges may be forthcoming as investigators continue working with prosecutors and partner agencies.
The sheriff’s office said the victim has received forensic medical care, advocacy resources, and other support services, and Child Protective Services has also been involved in the case.
The allegations against Womack have been made by law enforcement, and the charges have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
