Man Nabbed for Video Voyeurism in High Springs Store

HIGH SPRINGS – An investigation was launched at 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, after an adult female shopper at Bealls Outlet in High Springs located at 20201 N. U.S. Highway 441, Unit 10, reported an alarming incident. While using a fitting room, the victim observed a recording device being extended above the partition by an individual in the neighboring stall, who began filming her as she undressed.

The victim immediately yelled at the offender and attempted to confront him, but he fled the store on foot. Witnesses later observed the suspect leaving the area.

Officers from the High Springs Police Department (HSPD) acted promptly, employing advanced investigative techniques to identify and locate the suspect. Within hours, they apprehended 42-year-old John David Mills of Gainesville without further incident.

This was not the first allegation of video voyeurism against Mills. A similar incident occurred on Oct. 14, 2024, at approximately 3:20 p.m. at Ross Dress for Less at 2643 N.W. 13^th Street, Gainesville. In that case, a female victim noticed a cellphone camera protruding from a hole in the cardboard separator above the metal dividing wall in the fitting rooms.

The victim immediately left the fitting room and reported the incident to her mother, who alerted store employees. Mills reportedly walked toward the front of the store as the victim’s mother took several photos of him, as well as of the silver Infiniti he drove away in.

Gainesville Police Department (GPD) detectives identified Mills as the suspect. Both the victim and her mother positively identified him in a photo lineup. Investigators also confirmed that the silver Infiniti seen at the Ross location was registered in Mills’ name.

Mills, a registered sex offender, has a prior conviction for recording video of an undressed minor in Virginia in 2018. He is classified as a Sexual Offender in Florida and has a documented history of similar offenses.

In the High Springs case, Mills has been charged with video voyeurism of a victim over 19 years old, a second or subsequent offense under Florida law. Following his arrest, Judge Kristine Van Vorst added $150,000 bail to his existing bail, bringing the total to $300,000.

“This arrest highlights the swift action and dedication of our officers in protecting the community and holding offenders accountable,” said High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard. “We commend the victim for their quick thinking and bravery in reporting the incident, which enabled us to respond promptly.”

The High Springs Police Department continues to investigate this case and encourages anyone with additional information to contact Detective T. Taylor or their local law enforcement agency.

Mills’ actions have raised concerns about the recurrence of similar offenses, and additional charges may be filed as investigations unfold.

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