FRANKLIN — A man suspected of repeatedly exposing himself and propositioning strangers was arrested after police say his latest target turned out to be an undercover officer assigned to investigate the allegations.
Bryan Feazer, a Franklin resident, became the focus of a police investigation following multiple complaints involving encounters that authorities believed could be connected.
Investigators say people reported being approached in public by a man who would attempt to engage them in conversation before allegedly making increasingly sexual comments. Some complainants told authorities the man propositioned them, while others reported that he exposed himself during the encounters.
As investigators compared the reports, similarities in the alleged behavior led authorities to consider whether a single individual could be responsible for multiple incidents.
The investigation eventually led police to Feazer.
Rather than waiting for another complaint, authorities decided to conduct an undercover operation in an effort to determine whether the behavior would happen again.
Police placed a plainclothes officer in an area associated with the reported encounters while other members of the operation maintained surveillance nearby.
Authorities say Feazer subsequently approached the undercover officer and initiated a conversation.
The officer did not immediately reveal his identity.
Investigators allege Feazer began making sexually suggestive remarks as the conversation continued and eventually propositioned the officer. Police say Feazer then exposed himself.
At that point, officers observing the interaction moved in and arrested him.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest have attracted attention because investigators say Feazer allegedly engaged in essentially the same behavior officers had been investigating — directly in front of the officer assigned to catch him.
The arrest, however, may represent only one part of the investigation.
Detectives are now reviewing earlier complaints to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to connect Feazer to additional alleged encounters. Investigators could examine descriptions provided by complainants, locations, dates and other evidence associated with the reports.
Authorities are also asking potential victims who never filed reports to consider contacting investigators.
Indecent exposure cases can present challenges for law enforcement when encounters are brief and suspects leave before officers arrive. Without photographs, surveillance footage or identifying information, investigators may initially have little more than a description provided by the person reporting the incident.
An undercover operation can allow police to directly observe suspected behavior rather than relying exclusively on previous accounts.
Police have not publicly disclosed the exact number of complaints being examined or how long they believe the alleged pattern may have continued.
Feazer faces charges related to the encounter with the undercover officer, including allegations involving indecent exposure and solicitation. Investigators could seek additional charges if evidence links him to other incidents.
The case remains under investigation.
The allegations against Feazer have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless found guilty.
