LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – Several businesses have been added to a list of places at which consumers may have been recorded illegally, according to Lynchburg Police.
A store employee at Dick’s Sporting Goods was arrested in mid-March and charged in connection to the discovery of an apparent recording device in a women’s dressing room, according to Lynchburg Police.
Derek Lee Beard, 26 of Lynchburg, faces the following charges:
- 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)
- Unlawful filming
Since then, police say they have identified several additional locations where evidence suggests victims may have been unlawfully recorded. These locations include Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Target, Plato’s Closet, Mission Thrift, Millie’s Café, and The Muse Coffee Company.
In a statement, LPD says:
While exact dates for incidents that may have occurred at these additional businesses are still being determined, this is a serious matter. Our primary goal is to ensure justice for all individuals affected. We understand the concern this may cause, as such we are conducting a thorough investigation. We are also committed to working with these affected businesses and our law enforcement partners.
At this time, we are asking anyone who used the changing rooms or bathrooms at the affected businesses between February 1, 2026, and March 12, 2026, to complete the secure and confidential LPD Victim Identification Form. We anticipate providing more specific dates as our review of the evidence progresses.
https://form.jotform.com/260773843613057
Completing the Victim Identification Form is a critical step in this process. Given the significant size and scope of the investigation, LPD detectives need our community’s help to identify and support those involved.
To manage the high volume of inquiries and ensure your questions are handled efficiently, please contact Detective Brown via email at gabriel.brown@lynchburgva.gov and include Unlawful Imaging in the subject line.
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