Arrest Made In Connection With Medford Upskirting Cases

MEDFORD, MA — A man has been charged in connection with two alleged upskirting incidents reported at a grocery store earlier this month.

Westborough resident Ogechi Asia, 33, was arrested last week on the charge of with photographing, videotaping, or electronically surveilling a person, commonly known as upskirting, in violation of Massachusetts General Laws. According to the Medford Police Department, Asia was taken into custody at approximately 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21 after detectives and patrol officers located him inside a vehicle in the Fells Plaza parking lot following an investigation and assistance from members of the public.

Officers responded to the ALDI grocery store at 630 Fellsway on Wednesday, July 15 after a shopper reported that an unknown man approached her from behind and allegedly placed a cellphone underneath her skirt while she was shopping. After reviewing store surveillance footage, investigators determined the same individual allegedly committed a similar act involving a second victim. Police said the incidents occurred between approximately 11:20 a.m. and 1:03 p.m.

As the investigation continued, detectives released surveillance images of the suspect and asked for the public's help identifying him. Police also said the suspect was believed to have arrived at the store in a white or silver Chevrolet Equinox and was wearing a blue collared shirt, gray shorts, black Crocs and black over-the-ear headphones at the time of the alleged incidents. According to the department, information provided by members of the public ultimately helped investigators identify and locate Asia.

Asia was arraigned Wednesday in Somerville District Court, where he pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $1,000, and he was ordered to stay away from the store and the two alleged victims while the case is pending.

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