A FORMER TV meteorologist has been arrested after allegedly making a sex tape and threatening to release it.
Josh Fitzpatrick, 42, has been arrested on sexual extortion charges, according to cops.
Former meteorologist Josh Fitzpatrick has been arrested on sexual extortion charges[/caption]
Fitzpatrick was formerly a meteorologist for outlets such as WSAZ[/caption]
Cops in Albemarle County, Virginia, claimed the supposed clip was taken unknowingly and without consent.
Fitzpatrick has been charged with sexual extortion and the unlawful creation of an image of another.
He was arrested on April 22 and is awaiting extradition to Virginia.
The investigation into the allegations was launched in February.
Fitzpatrick is a former weatherman and has previously worked for outlets such as WSAZ-TV and WOAY-TV.
He’s an award-winning meteorologist, according to his Facebook profile.
And he was previously at 29 News – WVIR-TV.
Fitzpatrick had worked at 29 News for almost a decade, according to the Daily Progress.
Fitzpatrick left the outlet just weeks before he was arrested.
If he is convicted of the extortion charge, Fitzpatrick could receive a sentence of up to 10 years in prison if the alleged victim is 18 or older.
Cops have warned there may be more victims.
Fitzpatrick’s social media pages are flooded with weather and landscape pictures.
On April 22, he re-shared a photograph of a sunset reflection in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
And, he also posted forecast maps for his followers.
Fitzpatrick’s career as a meteorologist has spanned more than two decades.
He worked as a chief meteorologist for the outlet WOAY-TV in Beckley, West Virginia.
Fitzpatrick spent more than 10 years at WSAZ-TV before joining WVIR in November 2017.
Before joining WVIR, Fitzpatrick said: “I’m excited to begin a new chapter in my career and life.
“I’m not going very far from home.
“Just to the other side of the mountains.”
In June 2024, Fitzpatrick reflected on his career as a meteorologist.
“It’s been an overall great 20 years. I’ve seen a lot of changes,” he said.
“Worked with great and talented people.
“I’m doing what I’ve wanted since the fourth grade. I’ve seen and done a lot. Forecasting nearly every type of weather.”
Fitzpatrick said he hoped to remain in the business for another 20 years.
Weeks before he was arrested, Fitzpatrick promoted a vacation tour, exploring national parks, including the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park in Utah.
“Join me and fellow viewers as we explore Bryce, Zion, & the Grand Canyon,” he said.
Initially, the tour was going to take place in Ireland before the location was changed.