Bedford man faces charges in multi-jurisdiction unlawful filming case

The Leesburg Police Department has charged a Bedford, Virginia, man on charges of unlawful filming (“upskirting”) following an investigation into an incident at the Target store in Leesburg.

On June 28, Leesburg Police were notified of an adult male who had filmed an individual inside the Target store located at 1200 Edwards Ferry Road NE, without their knowledge or consent. The suspect left the store before the officers’ arrival.

Through investigation, Leesburg Police detectives identified four victims connected to the unlawful filming incident and determined the suspect to be Tate E. Dietrich, 36, of Bedford, Virginia.

On Aug. 11, multiple agencies, including the Leesburg Police Department, executed a search warrant at Dietrich’s residence in Bedford. During the operation, he was arrested by the Bedford Police Department in connection with incidents that occurred within their jurisdiction. Evidence collected during the search was analyzed, and on Aug. 21, the Leesburg Police Department obtained four warrants charging Dietrich with unlawful filming.

Detectives also determined that Dietrich had committed similar acts at multiple stores in Bedford, Roanoke County, and Leesburg. He is currently being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The Leesburg Police Department would like to thank the Bedford Police Department, Roanoke County Police Department, and the Virginia State Police for their assistance in this investigation.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Leesburg
Police Department at 703-771-4500 or policeinvestigations@leesburgva.gov. Anonymous tips may be
submitted by calling 703-443-TIPS (8477).