LYNCHBURG, Va. – Update:
The Lynchburg Police Department announced Thursday that it was expanding the scope of its investigation to several additional locations where evidence suggests victims may have been unlawfully recorded.
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LPD says the locations include Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Target, Plato’s Closet, Mission Thrift, Millie’s Cafe and The Muse Coffee Company.
LPD says that while exact dats the incidents may have occurred at these businesses are still being determined, this is a serious matter and the department’s goal is to ensure justice for all individuals affected.
At this time, officials 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.
https://form.jotform.com/260773843613057
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.
Original:
The Lynchburg Police Department announced Thursday that it had arrested a 26-year-old Lynchburg man and charged him with multiple offenses after an investigation into a potential recording device inside a women’s dressing room at a Lynchburg Dicks Sporting Goods store.
According to officials, deputies responded to the Dicks Sporting Goods located at 3385 Candlers Mountain Road on Saturday to investigate a customer who had reported locating the potential recording device.
LPD officers immediately began working with the store management, who cooperated fully with the investigation and assisted in identifying the employee.
Officers identified Derek Lee Beard of Lynchburg during the initial investigation and was detained and charged with unlawful filming that same day.
As the investigation continued Beard was charged with the following:
- 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)
Officials said evidence in the case makes LPD believe that the activity may have been going on for several months at the store.
We are actively working to identify potential victims.
Individuals who used the changing rooms at this location between March 13, 2026, and March 14, 2026, are encouraged to complete the LPD Victim Identification Form available via the secure link here: https://form.jotform.com/260773843613057
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective G. Brown at 434-455-6132 or submit online at https://form.jotform.com/260773843613057