Former Page County Supervisor Sentenced to 31 Years, With Six to Serve
LURAY, Va. — A former Page County supervisor who pled guilty to crimes involving the exploitation of a child was sentenced on Tuesday.
After arguments from the prosecution and defense, along with an emotional statement from the defendant himself, the Honorable Clark A. Ritchie sentenced Isaac Smelser to 31 years in prison — with 25 of those years suspended.
On December 17, 2025, Isaac Smelser, then 43, appeared in Page County Circuit Court before Judge Ritchie.
According to a statement presented by the Attorney General’s office, Smelser began a relationship with a 15-year-old male in December of 2023 after meeting on an adult dating website.
During the online relationship, Smelser sent images and videos of himself performing acts of self-gratification. In return, the teen sent images of himself to Smelser. All incidents occurred in Page County.
The relationship was ultimately discovered by the teen’s parents when they bought him a new cel phone and graphic images were transferred.
Smelser first pledged to serve on the Page County Board of Supervisors in January of 2024. Less than 10 months later, county administrators issued the following statement:
On October 23, in a letter to Chairman Keith Weakley and County Administrator Amity Moler, District 4 Supervisor Isaac Smelser resigned from the Board of Supervisors, effective immediately.
Mr. Smelser cited that “due to personal circumstances, I can no longer serve the citizens of Page County”.
The Board does not have any comment regarding the matter. According to § 24.2-228 of the Code of Virginia, the Board has 45 days to appoint a qualified individual to the vacancy until a special election can be held to fill the unexpired term.
Another community member eventually filled the vacated BOS seat.
Authorities began investigating the case in June of 2024. According to online court records, Smelser was ultimately arrested on November 6, 2025.
He admitted to meeting the teen online, but stated that he didn’t remember the victim being under-age.
Smelser appeared in court alongside his attorney, André Hakes, and pled guilty to the following charges:
PRODUCE/MAKE CHILD P*RN 15+
COMPUTER ETC SOLIC <18Y FOR P*RN
CHILD P*RNOGRAPHY: POSSESSION
CHILD P*RNOGRAPHY: POSSESSION
A pre-sentencing evaluation was scheduled to determine penalty and rehabilitation recommendations.
On the afternoon of June 23, 2026, Smelser and his attorney again appeared in Page County Circuit Court to learn his fate.
In an otherwise empty courtroom, two rows were filled with friends and family members who came to show their support for Smelser.
The room, normally abuzz with whispered chatter before court proceedings, was pin-drop quiet.
Smelser, dressed in a dark blue business suit and red tie, sat motionless with his hands clasped, staring straight ahead.
The hearing, scheduled for 1:30 p.m., began just before 2 p.m.
The Honorable Clark A. Ritchie again presided over the case.
Smelser’s father, Ben, took the stand and solemnly made a statement on his son’s behalf.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys then presented their arguments.
The prosecution reviewed the charges and argued that the teenage victim had suffered substantial emotional distress and depression following the online encounters. The prosecutor also contended that Smelser’s background, training and involvement in the community held him to a “higher standard.”
The prosecution recommended a sentence of at least six years.
The defense argued that Smelser did not dispute the charges but believed he had been communicating with an adult while texting with the victim.
Defense counsel said it was later discovered that the teen had similar online encounters with other adults and was already in therapy when he “met” Smelser online.
Smelser’s attorney continued, saying that Smelser accepts responsibility for his actions, including failing to question whether the victim was younger than 18.
She added that Smelser is attracted to a slim, tall physical appearance and not to children specifically.
She noted Smelser’s good character, strong family ties, education, job history and service to the community.
The defense requested a sentence of no more than four years.
Smelser was then permitted to read a prepared statement.
“I accept full accountability. I am dearly sorry. I’ve had over 20 months to reflect on what I did. I’m sorry for any harm I caused the victim, his family, and to the community.
I will continue with therapy as long as necessary. I understand that my behavior has consequences and I will spend the rest of my life reflecting on this.
I humbly ask the court for mercy as I rebuild my life.”
At 2:25 p.m., Judge Ritchie announced there would be a short recess while he reviewed all documentation and made his decision.
Smelser took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as he wiped his eyes. Visibly shaking, he stared downward and did not make eye contact with anyone.
Once again, the room remained pin-drop quiet until Judge Ritchie returned at 3:15 p.m. and began to speak.
He acknowledged Smelser’s cooperation since the charges were filed. Because Smelser pleaded guilty from the outset, the victim did not have to testify. He also noted there had been no physical contact.
However, Ritchie said it is not unprecedented for a child to claim to be 18 online, and that alone does not absolve adults of culpability.
Smelser looked directly at Ritchie as the judge continued.
“You are an adult. And a very smart individual.
There was information readily available to determine that this child was under the age of 18. So I believe you were aware of it.
You are guilty of these charges and you know that.
I read all the letters and statements presented to me. You’re a human being with a lot of good qualities. Good son. Good friend.
But there’s another side of this coin.
You acted recklessly. How wildly irresponsible you were in these activities.
No stop signs. No second guessing. No validation or determination of appropriateness of conduct.
You took no steps to avoid interactions with underage individuals on these sites.
You didn’t meet up with this child, but that’s something that was being considered.
You were asking a child to create explicit images for you. The internet is forever. So that’s terrifying to think about.
This case isn’t just about you. I read the victim impact statement from the child’s mother. And I understand why the attorney general is asking for six years.
And that is more than fair.”
The silence in the courtroom was momentarily broken by a quiet, collective gasp.
Judge Ritchie continued:
“This court will do what it has to do to deter you and others from engaging in this kind of behavior with children.
This is your life. Six years is a lot. But I hope that is enough to never find yourself in this situation again.”
With that, Judge Ritchie handed down Smelser’s sentence.
PRODUCE/MAKE CHILD P*RN - Fifteen years, with nine years suspended. Actual time to be served, six years.
COMPUTER ETC SOLIC <18Y FOR P*RN - Ten years, with ten years suspended.
CHILD P*RNOGRAPHY: POSSESSION - Three years, with three years suspended.
CHILD P*RNOGRAPHY: POSSESSION - Three years, with three years suspended.
Smelser, hands clasped, body stiff, stared blankly ahead, as if in shock.
Deputies soon surrounded him as he was quietly led away from the courtroom.
Upon his release, Smelser will be on supervised probation for five years. During that time he is forbidden from unsupervised contact with minors. He will also be restricted from Internet usage.
Smelser had just turned 44 the day before his sentencing. He will be 50 years old when released from prison.
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