Recommend This Story'Nature walk' results in 79-year-old's arrest
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By Sally Voth -- svoth@nvdaily.com
A 79--year-old Woodstock man was arrested recently after police say he exposed himself to a woman.
Gerald Louis John, 79, of 406 Eagle St., was arrested by Shenandoah County Sheriff's deputies on June 18 and charged with indecent exposure, according to Lt. Wesley Dellinger.
He said John was walking along a trail in Camp Lupton outside of Woodstock on June 14, and exposed himself to a 57-year-old woman.
"The victim was also walking on the trail, and he told the individual that he was going to do this -- he calls it a nature walk -- and he removed his clothes," Dellinger said. "Apparently, he indicated to the victim that he does [this often]."
John kept his hat on, according to Dellinger. He said the victim had permission to be on the trail, and had a camera, which she used to take pictures of John before calling police.
Dellinger said John was released on his own recognizance, and is scheduled to appear in Shenandoah County General District Court on July 13.
OH come on! He is 79 and most likely has mental health issues. What would bringing him to trial do for the good of our community? Doesn't the court system have enough to themselves busy?
Indecent Exposure? How about a trip to Walmart on most days to find many other 'criminals' exposing themselves in their every day clothing?
Criminal Justice, it's time to get back to real work!
Oh common! Help me understand this - the woman is taking pictures of this poor disturbed soul; now she's the "victim". Was she being forced to do this? She couldn't just leave - maybe then report the poor guy? Now she's the "victim". Give me a break!
Mr. John informed the woman he was planning to disrobe and it doesn't sound as though he attempted to accost her in any way. So why didn't she relax and walk on?
You never know what you might see on a nature walk. She can at least say she got some good pictures of an old woodpecker.
It appears to me that the Sheriff's Office has adopted a Zero Tolerance/Zero Common Sense policy. I've heard of swimmers being charged with trespassing at Chapman's Landing now this. Don't worry though, They'll be back to being your friends in 2015.
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