Homecoming photographer indicted in taking photos under girls' clothes at Sussex Tech

The man police say took photos and videos under girls' clothing at a Sussex County homecoming dance has now been indicted on 80 counts of violation of privacy.

Delaware State Police launched an investigation in September after reports of an incident at the Sussex Technical High School homecoming dance in which a hired adult photographer was accused of taking inappropriate photos.

The investigation revealed that 34-year-old Elias R. Stephens, who was operating a photo booth for an entertainment company, secretly took videos and photos of females beneath their clothing, police said.

Investigators were able to identify multiple victims throughout Delaware, according to police, and on Jan. 15, Stephens was indicted on 80 counts of violation of privacy, which is a felony charge.

Stephens is from Dover but relocated to Mississippi during the course of the investigation and was arrested by the Long Beach Police Department on Jan. 17 and extradited back to Delaware on Jan. 29.

After his arraignment, police said he was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $160,000 secured bond along with the following conditions:

• No contact with any of the victims
• If the defendant posts bond, GPS monitoring and pre-trial supervision
• The defendant may not possess any device capable of taking pictures or videos

"The district is pleased to have assisted and cooperated with the Delaware State Police during the thorough and diligent investigation. The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, and our school safety officers are present at school functions for the protection of students and staff. When concerns were brought to the attention of administrators, we acted immediately and informed law enforcement authorities on hand," a statement from the high school posted to Facebook reads.

The school says counseling services are also available to any member of its community who needs them.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Troop 4, Detective R. Mears at 302-752-3809.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

BACKGROUND: Sussex Tech homecoming photographer investigated for inappropriate photos

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