FRANKLIN — A Franklin man accused of repeatedly exposing himself and making unwanted sexual propositions to strangers was arrested after police say he unknowingly approached an undercover officer during an investigation into a series of complaints.
Bryan Feazer was taken into custody following an undercover operation launched after authorities received multiple reports of a man engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior in public areas around Franklin.
According to investigators, the complaints described encounters with similar circumstances. People reported being approached by a man who would initially attempt to start a conversation before allegedly steering the interaction toward sexual topics. Police say the encounters sometimes escalated to explicit propositions and indecent exposure.
As additional complaints surfaced, investigators began looking for possible connections between the incidents, including similarities in the suspect’s description, behavior and the locations where the encounters allegedly occurred.
Authorities eventually identified Feazer as a person of interest.
Police then organized an undercover operation in an area investigators believed the suspect was frequenting. A plainclothes officer was positioned in the area while additional officers remained nearby to observe and respond if necessary.
Investigators say Feazer eventually approached the undercover officer and began talking to him.
What Feazer allegedly did not know was that the entire encounter was being monitored by other officers.
Police allege the conversation quickly became sexually suggestive. Feazer allegedly propositioned the officer and exposed himself during the encounter, giving investigators probable cause to make an arrest.
Officers monitoring nearby moved in and took Feazer into custody without incident.
Investigators are now taking another look at previous complaints to determine how many, if any, can be directly connected to Feazer. Authorities are also attempting to determine how long the alleged behavior had been occurring and whether there are people who experienced similar encounters but never contacted police.
Police said incidents involving indecent exposure can go unreported because victims may feel embarrassed, may not initially believe the behavior warrants contacting authorities or may simply leave the area without obtaining identifying information about the person involved.
Detectives are encouraging anyone who believes they encountered Feazer under similar circumstances to come forward.
The arrest has also prompted investigators to review whether the alleged encounters were concentrated in one location or occurred throughout Franklin.
Feazer faces charges related to indecent exposure and solicitation stemming from the undercover encounter. Additional charges could be considered if investigators develop evidence connecting him to other reported incidents.
Authorities have not disclosed how many previous complaints are being reviewed.
Feazer is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.