Smyth Co. School Board Member Resigns After Arrest on Child Abuse Charges

SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — The vice chairman of the Smyth County School Board has resigned after being arrested in August on charges of sexual exploitation.

Todd Williams was arrested at his home on August 23. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Williams was the subject of an investigation after he allegedly spent more than $10,000 on nude photos and explicit videos of minors across the country between May 2022 and January 2024.

The school board responded to Williams’ arrest on August 26 and called for his resignation.

“While the School Board recognizes the presumption of innocence in criminal prosecutions under our legal system, the alleged conduct makes it impossible and inappropriate for Mr. Williams to maintain the position of trust he holds as an elected School Board member,” school board members wrote on Aug. 26.

On Thursday, the Smyth County School Board announced that Williams had resigned as an elected officer.

To fill the vacant seat representing the Chilhowie District, the school board will accept applications and appoint a replacement. Whoever is appointed will serve in the seat until a special election, which the school board will request to be held during the general election on November 4, 2025.

Anyone interested in serving on the school’s board of directors is invited to contact Tara French at [email protected] or call 276-783-3791.