CLINTON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
A disturbing child predator case is being investigated in Clinton.
The accused child predator is behind bars as of Wednesday night.
Clinton investigators tell WLBT that a clerk who worked at a Springridge Road convenience store used his cell phone to record child in the store restroom.
"It's a pretty sorry individual that would do something like this," said Clinton Police Chief Don Byington.
Authorities in Clinton arrested William David Kent, 22, Tuesday night for Child Exploitation and Filming Another Person Without their Consent after a 10 year old girl told law officers that she saw a cell phone inside the restroom she was using.
The incident happened Monday at the Kangaroo Express.
The child was going to change clothes in the bathroom when she said the clerk told her to wait so that he could clean up.
He then allowed her to go inside the restroom.
"The clerk went in there and placed the phone in there and we had a very observant 10 year old that went in there and saw this, knew something was out of place, contacted her mama and then she called us," Chief Byington said.
The child reportedly saw the flashing red light on Kent's cell phone beaming from its hiding place.
Investigators received a search warrant and obtained the store clerk's phone.
Byington said Kent lives on Hobby Farms Road in the city.
Dan and Dominique Whittington also live on Hobby Farms Road.
They do not know Kent but have two children and are worried.
"Very concerned because there's people coming by here all the time. My kids play out here and walk up and down the street. you have all your bad people that they come through here and smoke their drugs on these back streets," said Dominique Whittington.
"I think you need to get him before I find him," said Dan Whittington. "I'm serious. That gives me the creeps, because they come out here and play all the time."
We do not know how long Kent has worked at the store.
Management at the store referred us to their corporate headquarters in Cary, North Carolina.
"The Pantry's top priority is the safety and security of its customers and employees. The pantry is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in the investigation," read the statement released by The Pantry Incorporated, owners of the Kangaroo Express.
Clinton Police said the store clerk has no prior record but is being investigated in connection with another reported case that occurred several months ago involving a person from out of state.
Kent remains at the Clinton Police Department and faces 25 years if convicted on both charges.
No preliminary court appearance had been scheduled as of Wednesday.
Copyright 2012 WLBT. All rights reserved.
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
