Lynchburg: Customers at eight businesses may have been unlawfully filmed

Lynchburg Police have now identified seven additional businesses where customers may have been unlawfully recorded in bathrooms and changing rooms.

The investigation into an incident at Dick’s Sporting Goods on March 14 has uncovered more Lynchburg establishments that were infiltrated by the peeping Tom between Feb. 1 and March 12.

Derek Lee Beard, 26, of Lynchburg, was arrested on March 17 and charged with five felonies. He was found guilty of a similar charge in 2021.

In addition to Dick’s Sporting Goods on Candlers Mountain Road, the unlawful imaging occurred in Lynchburg at:

• Kohl’s
• TJ Maxx
• Target
• Plato’s Closet
• Mission Thrift
• Millie’s Café
• Muse Coffee Company

The exact dates at these additional locations have not been determined.

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ICYMI

• Lynchburg: Employee arrested for filming women, kids in dressing room

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Evidence shows that the unlawful recordings may have been happening for several months, and detectives are working to identify other victims.

Anyone who used the changing rooms or bathrooms at these businesses between Feb. 1 and March 12 should fill out a victim identification form.

The investigation is ongoing.

Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Detective Brown by email at [email protected]. Due to a large volume of inquiries, please include Unlawful Imaging in the subject line.

In the Dick’s Sporting Goods incident, Beard has been charged with:

• Creation of an unlawful image of another (felony)
• Production of child pornography (felony)
• Use of a computer to commit sexual crimes against children (felony)
• Possession of child pornography (felony)
• Creation of an unlawful image of a minor (felony)

Online court records show Beard was released on bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for May 22 at 10 a.m. in Lynchburg General District Court.