The White County Sheriff’s Office has charged and arrested a Cleveland man for allegedly photographing unsuspecting female minors while they were showering.
The initial reports came from a 15-year-old female who told authorities she believed she was video recorded while showering at a friend's residence. Investigators then executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home.
During the search, detectives found a cellphone that “led them to believe images had been taken of unsuspecting females in a state of nudity,” White County authorities said Monday.
Walter Joey Drew, 40, of Cleveland, has been charged with felony computer or electronic pornography and child exploitation prevention and felony unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance, according to Captain Clay Hammond with WCSO. Drew was arrested on Aug. 4 and his reported bond posting was set at $17,500.
He remains in the White County Jail as of Monday.
Detectives believe the images they uncovered did not appear to have been taken at a gym owned by Drew located in Cleveland. The WCSO has since turned the images found on Drew’s phone over to the Lyons Police Department.
The WCSO believes the images they uncovered were taken in Lyons, Georgia, which is where Drew used to live and operate a different gym some years ago.
“[Drew] did live in Lyons, or in the area, at one time, he did run a gym here in Lyons, Georgia at one time,” Lyons Police Chief Wesley Walker said. “He has moved and my understanding has opened a gym in North Georgia in White County since leaving Lyons. Now, my understanding from what White County has — this was something that didn't occur at the gym, I think it occurred somewhere else.”
The Lyons Police Department originally received a complaint “a few years ago,” Walker noted. At that time, they investigated Drew but were not able to get enough evidence to serve a warrant for any charges.
With the charges filed in White County, the two departments are reportedly working together through the initial steps of the investigation that will also place Drew’s gym in Cleveland under further scrutiny.
Authorities with the White County Sheriff’s Office declined to provide any additional comments on the investigation at this time.
