News Summary
A 76-year-old man has been charged with 17 misdemeanor offenses after allegedly filming men in a restroom at Colonial Williamsburg. The charges follow an incident where he was confronted for filming. Police investigations revealed graphic videos on his phone, raising concerns about public safety. The man has been removed from his church position and faces a trial soon, as community outrage grows over the incident, particularly in family-oriented areas.
Williamsburg, Virginia – A 76-year-old man from Gloucester County is facing serious legal consequences after being charged with 17 misdemeanor offenses for allegedly filming men in a restroom at Colonial Williamsburg. George Thomas West was arrested following an incident on August 2, during which a personal confrontation led to the discovery of graphic videos on his phone. The trial for West has been scheduled for November 18, with each misdemeanor charge potentially carrying a penalty of up to one year in jail.
The incident took place in a restroom located near the intersection of Duke of Gloucester and South Henry Streets, coinciding with a Saturday farmer’s market, where many families typically gather. West became a suspect when a man witnessed him filming another individual in the restroom and intervened. Subsequent police investigations revealed that West had not only recorded graphic videos but had also deleted 15 additional videos that were specifically tracked down on his phone’s recently deleted items. The videos were reported to mostly showcase men’s genitalia and often included their faces.
Williamsburg police, along with a city spokeswoman, indicated that no evidence suggests that West used unattended devices to record, but the exact methods utilized in these activities are still being investigated. This alarming situation has led to increased scrutiny, especially given that West is believed to have engaged in similar behavior in public restrooms across the region for approximately three decades, dating back to 1996.
As the investigation continues, West’s role within the community has been significantly affected. Following a church vote on August 17, he was removed from his position as a deacon at the Union Baptist Church of Gloucester. The church leadership has openly expressed their sorrow over the situation and emphasized the necessity for prayers for all those affected by West’s actions.
Tourists visiting Colonial Williamsburg have expressed deep shock and dismay regarding the news, particularly due to the area’s family-oriented atmosphere. This incident has raised concerns about safety in public spaces, especially at a historical site frequented by families and children. Colonial Williamsburg is cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation and is currently assessing security measures to prevent such incidents in the future; however, no changes to restrooms have been announced thus far.
West has been released on bond since his arrest and is expected to appear in court again on September 18 at the Williamsburg-James City County General District Court. As the case progresses, further developments are anticipated regarding both the legal standing of the charges against West and the implications for community safety in public restrooms.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press
- Wikipedia: Restroom
- Pilot Online
- Google Search: Filming in Public Restrooms
- Wavy News
- Google Scholar: Public Restroom Privacy Issues
- KXII News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Privacy in Restrooms
- WTKR News
- Google News: Filming Men in Restrooms Williamsburg
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.
