A 35-year-old man was arrested July 15 after he was seen allegedly taking pictures under a female employee’s skirt at Kmart, 4701 W. Tilghman St., South Whitehall Township.

According to an affidavit of probable cause obtained from District Judge Jake Hammond’s office, South Whitehall Police Officer Stacey E. Surdan was dispatched 7:22 p.m. July 14 to the store for a report of a man using his cell phone to take photos under the employee’s skirt.

The man was described as a white male wearing jeans and flip flops, Surdan states in the affidavit.

Surdan states she saw the man, later identified as Joseph Paul LaPointe, no known address, run into bushes at 757 Hausman Road, South Whitehall.

According to the affidavit, that property is owned by Mukesh Kahiwala, who did not give LaPointe permission to enter the home.

Surdan who saw an open door to the garage, entered the home and allegedly found LaPointe hiding behind a television holding a cell phone.

The Kmart employee said she saw LaPointe several times and for several hours July 11 around where she was working at the store.

The employee also said when she arrived at work July 12, LaPointe allegedly was outside the store.

She alerted loss prevention employee Justin Marks after she allegedly saw LaPointe near were she was working July 14.

According to the affidavit, Marks began watching LaPointe and allegedly saw him follow the employee with his cell phone’s camera activated, placing it under her skirt and take a picture.

LaPointe denied a consent search of his cell phone by police, claiming he had personal items on his phone as well as pictures of his girlfriend, Surdan states in the affidavit.

According to the affidavit, LaPointe stated he works for a carnival and has been living in the Hausman Road home.

A search warrant is being sought for LaPointe’s cell phone, Surdan states in the affidavit.

According to the criminal complaint also obtained from District Judge Jake Hammond’s office, LaPointe has been charged with criminal trespass, harassment and disorderly conduct.

According to Lehigh County criminal court records, LaPointe was arraigned July 15 before District Judge Michael D’Amore, Allentown.

His preliminary hearing was set for July 21 before District Judge D’Amore.

LaPointe was committed to Lehigh County Jail after he was unable to post $25,000 bail.