News Summary
A deacon from Gloucester County has been arrested on 17 counts of unlawful filming in public restrooms at Colonial Williamsburg. George Thomas West, 76, allegedly recorded men in restrooms for nearly three decades. His church membership has been terminated as a result of the charges. West faces potential jail time, is under GPS monitoring, and prohibited from accessing recording devices or the internet. The local police are urging potential victims to come forward as the investigation continues.
Gloucester County – A 76-year-old deacon from Gloucester County has been arrested and charged with 17 counts of unlawful filming in public restrooms at Colonial Williamsburg. The charges emerged on August 2, stemming from allegations that George Thomas West had secretly recorded men in restrooms in the area for nearly three decades, dating back to 1996. In the wake of his arrest, West has been removed from both his leadership role and membership at Union Baptist Church.
The church’s decision to expel West was finalized on August 17, following a vote by the church body. Senior Pastor Jared Berry expressed deep regret over the situation, describing it as a revelation of an ongoing “sin issue” within the church community. West was active in the church before the charges were filed, making the situation particularly unsettling for church members.
According to police reports, West conducted his unlawful recordings primarily near the intersection of Duke of Gloucester and South Henry streets during the Farmers Market events. Evidence suggests that he may have filmed “thousands of men” over the years at various public restrooms throughout the region. The nature of the recordings typically involved capturing men’s genitalia along with their faces.
Authorities became aware of West’s actions after a witness confronted him while he was filming another man, prompting police intervention. Upon inspection of West’s mobile phone, officers found two graphic videos, plus 15 additional videos among the recently deleted items. Reports indicate that West attempted to delete the videos in front of law enforcement officers, raising further concerns about his activities.
Each count against West is classified as a misdemeanor, with potential penalties that could include up to one year in jail for each charge. Currently, he is under certain conditions following his release, including the requirement that he wear a GPS tracking device and adhere to home confinement, except for pre-approved appointments. Furthermore, he is prohibited from possessing any device capable of taking photos or videos or accessing the Internet.
The police are actively urging potential victims to come forward. They stress that confidentiality will be maintained, aiming to encourage individuals who may have been affected by West’s actions to seek help. The community’s reaction has been one of shock and concern, particularly given that Colonial Williamsburg is known for being a family-friendly tourist destination.
After the situation came to light, Ellen Morgan Peltz, a spokesperson for Colonial Williamsburg, stated that the organization is cooperating with ongoing police investigations while simultaneously evaluating its security measures. The focus is on ensuring the safety and privacy of its visitors, revealing the significant impact this case could have on the reputation of the historical site.
George Thomas West does not have a prior criminal record and is reported to live with his family in Gloucester County. As the investigation continues, the local community remains vigilant and attentive to the unfolding details of this troubling case.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Wburg Filming Charges
- Wikipedia: Public Filming Laws
- 13 News Now: Gloucester Man Charged
- Google Search: Unlawful Recording Public Restroom
- Pilot Online: Man Arrested for Restroom Filming
- Google Scholar: Public Restroom Filming Laws
- Fox 56 News: Man Used Tablet to Record
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Safety Laws
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
