Mass Firefighter Sentenced for Secretly Recording Female Firefighters

A former Massachusetts firefighter who secretly video recorded female colleagues in the firehouse, has been sentenced to eight months in prison followed by two years of probation. Nicholas Tillman, 39, pled guilty to seven counts related to the 2022 discovery of cameras in an Easthampton Fire Department firehouse.

The seven charges include three counts of videotaping the intimate parts of a person without their consent; three counts of videotaping an unsuspecting nude person; and one count of attempted illegal wiretap. Western Mass News reported that on July 13, 2022 a female firefighter law a blue light coming from an empty locker adjacent to hers in the womens’ locker room. Upon investigation she discovered a hidden camera. Further investigation located a second camera. She informed her supervisor who notified the police. A forensic investigation led to Tillman.

As part of the plea agreement, Tillman must complete sex offender treatment, turn any imagery of the victims over to the East Hampton Police Department, stay away from the Easthampton Fire Department, have no contact with the female victims, and not work as a first responder while on probation. More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

UK Firefighter Sentenced to Prison For Taking Photos of Accident Victim

A UK firefighter has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for taking and sharing photos of the body of a man killed in a car crash. Cameron Hancel took the photos in March, 2023 while working for the West Midlands Fire Service.

Kansas City Settles YCMTSU Harassment Suits for $1.3 Million

A Kansas City firefighter-paramedic with two pending employment discrimination lawsuits has agreed to settle both suits, and not file a third, in exchange for a $1.3 million settlement. Rebecca Reynolds, 61, alleged she endured over twenty years of harassment and discrimination.