News Summary
A 76-year-old man from Gloucester County faces multiple charges for filming individuals in a public restroom during an investigation by Williamsburg Police. George Thomas West has been charged with 17 misdemeanor counts of unlawful filming and one count of disorderly conduct. The case has raised significant concerns regarding privacy and safety in public spaces. As investigations continue, local authorities urge victims to come forward, and the community grapples with the implications of these actions.
Williamsburg – A 76-year-old Gloucester County man, George Thomas West, is facing 17 misdemeanor counts of unlawful filming in a public restroom following incidents that occurred on August 2 in Colonial Williamsburg. The trial, which was scheduled for Thursday, has been rescheduled for November 18.
The allegations stem from a report received by the Williamsburg Police regarding unlawful filming inside a restroom located near the corner of Duke of Gloucester and South Henry Streets during a farmers market. Officers were dispatched to the scene after a witness observed West filming another man. Upon investigation, officers discovered two videos on West’s camera roll and identified 15 additional videos in the phone’s recently deleted items.
In addition to the 17 counts of unlawful filming, West is charged with one count of disorderly conduct. Each unlawful filming charge carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail. Notably, authorities believe West may have filmed thousands of men in public restrooms in the Colonial Williamsburg area dating back to 1996.
During the investigation, West was in the process of deleting images from his phone when officers arrived, leading them to seize the device. As the case unfolds, Williamsburg Police are expecting a significant response from potential victims and have assigned additional resources to address the situation. Authorities have urged anyone who believes they were filmed without consent to come forward and contact Investigator Steve Roberts Jr. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Peninsula Crime Stoppers.
Impact on Local Community
The allegations against West have not only led to legal consequences but have also affected his standing in the community. He has been removed from his position as a deacon and from membership at the Union Baptist Church of Hayes due to the serious nature of the allegations. The church’s Senior Pastor addressed the congregation, highlighting the hidden nature of West’s actions and calling for prayers for all involved, including the victims.
Colonial Williamsburg has also felt the repercussions of this disturbing news, with affected tours and visitors expressing shock and concern regarding the incidents. The organization is cooperating fully with the police investigation and is in the process of reviewing its security measures; however, no changes to restroom facilities have been announced as of now.
Next Steps for George Thomas West
As the legal proceedings continue, West has been released on bond pending trial, with a hearing scheduled for September 18. The ongoing investigation remains a priority for local law enforcement. Community members who saw or experienced anything related to the incidents are encouraged to reach out and share their experiences to assist in the case.
This situation raises important concerns about privacy and safety in public spaces, highlighting the need for vigilant measures to protect individuals from unlawful surveillance and exploitation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
76-Year-Old Man Charged with Filming in Williamsburg Restroom
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- WTKR
- Pilot Online
- Daily Press
- Wavy
- Wikipedia: Privacy concerns
- Google Search: public restroom filming laws
- Google Scholar: unlawful filming in public restrooms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Right to privacy
- Google News: Williamsburg filming incident
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.
