03/27/2026
For Immediate Release: March 26, 2026
UPDATE: Man Arrested for Unlawful Imaging
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The investigation into unlawful imaging remains active and ongoing. The Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) has identified several additional locations where evidence suggests victims may have been unlawfully recorded. These locations include: Kohl's, TJ Maxx, Target, Plato’s Closet, Mission Thrift, Millie’s Café, and The Muse Coffee Company.
While exact dates for incidents that may have occurred at these additional businesses are still being determined, this is a serious matter. Our primary goal is to ensure justice for all individuals affected. We understand the concern this may cause, as such we are conducting a thorough investigation. We are also committed to working with these affected businesses and our law enforcement partners.
At this time, we 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. We anticipate providing more specific dates as our review of the evidence progresses.
https://form.jotform.com/260773843613057
Completing the Victim Identification Form is a critical step in this process. Given the significant size and scope of the investigation, 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 [email protected] and include Unlawful Imaging in the subject line.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Any additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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For Immediate Release: March 19, 2026
Man Arrested for Unlawful Imaging, Possession, and Production of Child Po*******hy
LYNCHBURG, Va. - On March 14, 2026, the Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) responded to Dick’s Sporting Goods, 3385 Candlers Mountain Rd, to investigate after a customer reported locating a potential recording device in the women's dressing room.
LPD officers immediately began working with store management, who are fully cooperating with this investigation, and assisted in identifying the suspect as a store employee.
Officers identified Derek Lee Beard, 26, of Lynchburg, Virginia, during the initial investigation. He was detained and later charged with unlawful filming that same day.
As the investigation continued, Beard was arrested on the following additional charges on March 17:
Creation of an Unlawful Image of Another (Felony)
Production of Child Po*******hy (Felony)
Use of a Computer to Commit Sexual Crimes Against Children (Felony)
Possession of Child Po*******hy (Felony)
Creation of an Unlawful Image of a Minor (Felony)
The evidence in this case has led LPD detectives to believe this type of activity may have been ongoing 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 below.
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
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and any additional information will be provided as an update to this release.
Please click the link to complete this form.
