PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A Saturday night disturbance at The Island in Pigeon Forge led to the arrest of a man accused of secretly photographing and recording multiple women, according to the Pigeon Forge Police Department.
Police said officers were called to the popular entertainment complex to investigate a fight that broke out after people confronted a man allegedly taking inappropriate photos of women.
Investigators identified the suspect as 45-year-old Joshua Lawrence.
According to Pigeon Forge Police, Lawrence is accused of taking photos and videos of six different women by placing his cellphone beneath their dresses and recording images without their knowledge or consent.
Police said the investigation also found evidence that Lawrence used his phone to record underneath a stall in the women’s restroom.
One woman told officers that Lawrence slid his phone under her restroom stall while she was actively using the facility.
Authorities said one of the six victims identified during the investigation was a minor under the age of 18.
Following the investigation, Lawrence was arrested Saturday night and charged with six counts of unlawful photography and violation of privacy.
Police have not released additional details regarding the altercation that brought officers to the scene, but investigators said the confrontation stemmed from Lawrence’s alleged actions.
The case remains under investigation.
