JACKSON, Tenn. - A West Tennessee man has pleaded guilty to attempting to photograph reigning Miss Tennessee Erin Hatley in a tanning booth, authorities said.
Nicholas Vestal of Bells pleaded guilty today to attempting to commit unlawful photography in violation of privacy, the Jackson Police Department said. Vestal apologized to Hatley, who was present in the courtroom.
Police said Hatley, who was crowned Miss Tennessee 2011 last June, noticed a cell phone extended over a wall between her booth and an adjoining booth at Island Tan and Swimwear in Jackson on May 5.
Hatley yelled and the individual immediately removed the phone. An investigation showed Vestal, 27, did not take any photos or videos, but activated the cell phone camera with the intent of taking an indecent picture.
"Without knowing who the person was, he anticipated that this person would soon be undressing," a police news release said.
A judge ordered Vestal to perform three days of community service and placed him on six months' probation.
Hatley had been in Jackson on May 5 for an appearance with a local civic organization.
Hatley, who listed her hometown as Bartlett as a Miss America contestant, is a former Miss Collierville.