Police have released a video of a former elementary school principal accused of secretly taking photos of young girls inside the Walmart in Hartford in 2016.
John Bean was the principal at Highcrest Elementary School in Wethersfield when he was arrested back in 2016. Now, he’s pleaded guilty to voyeurism and is behind bars.
Hartford police said surveillance video of then 46-year-old Bean, shows him inside the Flatbush Avenue Walmart in Hartford in 2016.
According to police, the video shows Bean pretending to look at the merchandise. At first security thought he was stealing, but then officers realized what was really going on.
Investigators said Bean was using a toy as a decoy to hide his phone so he could secretly take pictures of young girls inside the store, especially when their parents were not around.
Police said that when they apprehended Bean he appeared nervous and sweating and refused to unlock his phone. He was initially charged with breach of peace and resisting arrest.
Bean, the father of three girls himself, was placed on administrative leave from his position at Highcrest Elementary immediately after the arrest and then resigned.
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During the investigation, State Police say they found videos on Bean’s phone with footage shot up the skirts of young girls. They say Bean shot them in public places like Walmart and Five Below.
Bean pled guilty to voyeurism charges. According to court records, he was sentenced to five years in jail, execution suspended, and 10 years probation.
