Medford police are asking for the public’s help tracking down a man they say slipped his phone under women’s skirts while they shopped at the Aldi in Fellsway Plaza on Wednesday, July 15. Store surveillance, according to investigators, shows the same man approaching at least two different women in the aisles. No arrests have been made and police say the investigation is still active.
Police released surveillance stills and timeline
According to WCVB, the case began when a shopper told officers that a man had placed his cellphone under her skirt while she was browsing in the store. Detectives pulled Aldi surveillance footage and say the incidents took place at about 11:20 a.m. and 1:03 p.m. that same day.
Suspect description and vehicle
Police released still images of the person they are looking for and described him as a man in his 20s with a thin build, a thin beard and a short haircut. He was seen wearing black Crocs, over-the-ear headphones, a blue collared shirt and gray shorts. Investigators say he left the area in what appeared to be a white or silver Chevrolet Equinox.
State law and possible penalties
Massachusetts criminal law makes it illegal to secretly photograph or electronically surveil another person’s sexual or intimate parts under or around clothing without that person’s consent, and it sets penalties both for taking such images and for distributing them. Under the Massachusetts General Court, violations can bring up to 2½ years in the house of correction and fines, with harsher penalties when minors are involved.
How to help
Police are asking anyone who recognizes the man or the vehicle to call the Medford Police Department tip line at 781-391-6767, according to NBC Boston. Investigators say the inquiry remains ongoing.
