CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A 33-year-old Kent County man is facing criminal charges, accused of using his phone to take violating photos up women's skirts and shorts while in public.
For weeks now, the Kent County Sheriff's Department has been investigating a complaint made by a woman at the Walmart on 28th Street.
“She felt something brush up against her inner thigh. Which, obviously immediately she turned around and when she did so she saw the individual and confronted him," Undersheriff Chuck DeWitt said.
The woman contacted authorities after the interaction at the end of June at Walmart, prompting the investigation.
“I give her all the credit in the world," DeWitt said.
The investigation revealed more photos, taken at more locations along the 28th street corridor, at the Walmart, Target, and Meijer.
Court documents say the suspect took more than 17,000 pictures up women's skirts over the span of a year.
According to court documents, the suspect worked at the Porche dealership nearby on 28th.
Detectives believe invasive photos were snapped of clients and coworkers, as well as women at stores on 28th.
“We were able to identify the subject through his clothing,” DeWitt said.
Court records say the suspect allegedly admitted to taking the photos and turned over his electronic devices.
“Child pornography was also located on the suspect's devices,” DeWitt said.
Kent County Undersheriff calls the case both disturbing and violating.
“This is horrible. You’re taking advantage of victims that truly are unsuspecting. They absolutely are not participating in this type of activity, and they’re being taken advantage of. Children are always the most vulnerable. To see them victimized in these types of crimes, it’s just horrible,” DeWitt said,
The suspect is expected to be arraigned in 63rd District Court on Wednesday. The sheriff's department estimates that there are more victims than those they were able to identify, asking anyone who may have been victimized to contact them.
