SMITHVILLE, Tenn. — A 47-year-old Smithville man has been arrested after allegedly recording individuals inside a Walmart restroom. The incident reportedly unfolded in the mens restroom at the big box retailer in Smithville. 

Stephen Puckett was taken into custody on Thursday, September 4, 2025. He is charged with three counts of unlawful photographing in violation of privacy, a Class A misdemeanor. His bond was set at $22,500, and he is scheduled to appear in court on September 18.

According to partner station WJLE, Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins said officers were called to Walmart after reports of suspicious behavior in the men’s restroom. A Walmart employee told police they had asked Puckett to leave the store and not return.

Investigators later determined that Puckett allegedly used his phone to record people in the restroom by reaching the device under and over stall dividers on three separate occasions. Detectives reported that Puckett admitted to committing the act for sexual gratification.

Tennessee law (TCA 39-13-605) makes it a crime to knowingly photograph someone without consent in situations that would offend or embarrass a reasonable person, particularly if done for sexual gratification or to harass or intimidate. The statute also outlines harsher penalties if victims are minors or if images are distributed.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review the case details.

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