WATERVLIET, NY. (THECOUNT) — James and Valerie Hewitt, are accused of working together to film women and girls – as young as 10 – in bathroom stalls at the Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury and the Watervliet Price Chopper store, according to reports.
James, 30 and his accomplice, 29-year-old Valerie Hewitt, concealed a small recording device in her purse. She would then place the bag under an opening in an adjacent stall, officials said at a presser Thursday.
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“The allegations are that Valerie would carry the purse in with the recording device and sit in the stall,” Watervliet Police Chief Anthony Geraci explained. “Their victims were both targeted and random.”
Two of the six victims have been described as “girls younger than 10,” according to investigators.
It filmings occurred over the course of two years, say officials.
The couple was arrested Tuesday by Watervliet police and were released on bond, reports WAVE3.
The couple is facing several charges and indictments for unlawful surveillance, endangering the welfare of a child and promoting the sexual performance of a child. A judge ordered the couple not to use public bathrooms as the case moves forward.
Police said at least 25 other women and children were recorded, but they haven’t identified them.
They’re also urging anyone who noticed something strange using the bathroom at either of these places to come forward.
If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim, you may contact police at 911.
DEVELOPING::
Geo quick facts: Watervliet is a city in Albany County in the U.S. state of New York. The population was 10,254 as of the 2010 census. Watervliet is north of Albany, the capital of the state, and is bordered on the north, west, and south by the town of Colonie. The city is also known as “the Arsenal City” – Wikipedia.