UPDATE: Statement from the Chattanooga Times Free Press:
The Times Free Press management took these allegations very seriously, as we would any serious allegations against an employee. As the result of an internal review, Mr. Smiddie is no longer employed at the newspaper.
Smiddie issued a statement saying he has been struggling for several months.
"I made the mistake of turning to sedative medications this summer in an effort to battle stress, only to have bipolar reactions instead," he stated. "I do not have a drug problem. I do not have a deviant behavioral problem. I have a depression problem. For the first time, I plan to seek professional help."
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ORIGINAL STORY: Police have charged a 59-year-old man with indecent exposure after an incident Thursday at Hamilton Place mall.
A witness flagged down an officer at 7:50 p.m. and told the officer he saw the man, identified as Kelley Smiddie, exposing himself inside his car in the parking lot, according to court documents. The witness also pointed out the car, which was leaving the lot.
The officer stopped the man, who admitted he was touching himself inappropriately. He gave consent to officers who searched his car and found body lotion under his seat as well as cargo shorts with a belt in the back seat.
He also allowed officers to look at the photos on his digital camera and they found several photos of teenage girls wearing small shorts. The photos appeared to have been taken from multiple locations, including the Riverbend festival, and it appeared the girls were not aware they were being photographed from behind.
Smiddie told officers he works for the Chattanooga Times Free Press as a sports reporter. He was issued a citation in lieu of arrest and told to appear at the Hamilton County Jail on Aug. 15 to be booked and processed for indecent exposure.
He could not be reached for comment Saturday morning.
Smiddie is next scheduled to appear in court before General Sessions Judge Christine Sell on Aug. 29.
He has been suspended pending a newspaper review of the incident.