Belmont Chick-fil-A employee accused of taking photos of minors in restaurant bathroom

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A man has been accused of putting a hidden camera in the men’s room at a Chick-fil-A on Park Street in Belmont.

Cameron Franklin, 27, faces charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and secret peeping.

Gaston County police said they first got a hit about child porn from Franklin's home computer.

That hit began the investigation, which led to images of a child at a urinal at the restaurant where he worked, according to police.

His employers said he was so loved that he was featured on the restaurant's Facebook page.

Reporter Ken Lemon spoke to customers, who were stunned by the news.

"I just can't believe it,” customer Linda Stephenson said. “I just cannot believe that it's true."

She said if she could, she would help pay his legal fees.

"I just cannot find it in my heart to believe that he is guilty," Stephenson said.

Many customers said his face and smile sticks out because he is the most helpful person there.

The store’s only comment was that Franklin was no longer employed.

Police said the child's face wasn't seen in the photo, and it doesn't appear the child knew that someone had taken the picture.

"The detective recognized him,” Gaston County Police Department Sgt. Josh Hamlin said. “Other officers recognized him from eating at the Chick-fil-A."

Police said video taken was of a boy, 10 to 12 years old.

"The video was taken from behind of the child using the restroom," Hamlin said.
Franklin is in jail under a $150,000 bond. He will make his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sampson at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.

Cox Media Group