WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — A Gloucester County man is accused of unlawful filming in public restrooms in Colonial Williamsburg, the city's police department said Monday. Officers are now looking into the extent of his alleged crimes, as they believe he's unlawfully filmed "thousands of males" and shared the pictures and videos with others online.
George Thomas West, 76, was arrested and charged with 17 counts of unlawful filming of another person and one count of disorderly conduct, according to police.
A citizen told authorities on Aug. 2 they saw West filming people in a public restroom located on the corner of South Henry Street and Duke of Gloucester Street, police say. When officers arrived, a witness alleged they'd seen West filming people in a bathroom before on two separate occasions, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WTKR News 3.
While speaking with West, an officer noticed West had a phone and was deleting photos from it, the complaint states. The witness got upset about West's alleged attempt to get rid of evidence, the complaint states, and snatched the phone from him.
An officer then took the phone, the complaint goes onto say. With West's consent, the complaint states, the officer looked at the phone's camera roll and found two photos showing "mens' penises from inside the bathroom," as well as 15 more in the trash folder.
Multiple victims from the August report are still unidentified, police added.
Officers then obtained warrants to search West's phone and car.
Police say they believe West has unlawfully filmed "thousands of males in public restrooms" — specifically, in the Colonial Williamsburg area. Police further believe he did most of his filming in the Williamsburg area on Saturdays.
West is accused of uploading the pictures and videos he took online to share with others, News 3's Colter Anstaett confirmed with Nicole Trifone, the city of Williamsburg's Communications Director.
The unlawful filming allegations against West date back to 1996, police determined after uncovering evidence.
Police say they are trying to identify more victims and will seek additional charges as appropriate.
If you believe you may have been unlawfully filmed in a men's bathroom in Williamsburg, police encourage you to contact them. You can send an email with "West 825" in the subject line to srobertsjr@williamsburgva.gov to provide information that can help police with their case.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Peninsula Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
