Local photographer arrested after allegedly assaulting a woman during a photo shoot

SAN ANTONIO – A local photographer will be charged tonight after being arrested by Bexar County sheriff’s deputies.

The sheriff’s office said 48-year-old John Lill faces sexual assault charges in connection with a recent photo shoot.

A woman told investigators she had hired Lill as a boudoir photographer.

During the photoshoot, he offered her a drink and she passed out. She accused Lill of attacking her.

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar held a news conference Wednesday to discuss the allegations against 48-year-old John Lill.

“We believe he gave the victim at least enough alcohol that she may have been intoxicated,” Sheriff Salazar said.

On Wednesday afternoon, a woman said she did a similar photo shoot with Lill about three years ago.

“I’m sad and heartbroken and hurt that other women experienced this,” she said.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had known Lill for more than 20 years.

She said he contacted her about a boudoir photo shoot after learning she was moving to San Antonio.

“My experience was that he drank champagne there. He wanted to encourage me to drink and wanted me to take the shower and the bathtub. I did not feel well. I felt he was using the photos for his own personal entertainment value,” she said.

She said she remembered everything, including an allegedly indecent suggestion from Lill for a subsequent photo shoot. Now she said this was her reason for speaking out.

“I want to take back the power I feel he stole from me. He may have taken something from you, but you can take it back. You can come forward and hold him accountable,” she said.

The woman contacted the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office to share her experience.

We also spoke with Oscar McAnally, who has been a boudoir photographer in San Antonio for 18 years.

In an interview with us, he highlighted the level of trust between a photographer and his model.

“You have to feel comfortable with me,” McAnally said. “And again, make sure they understand that they are responsible for their session.”

According to McAnally, for people looking to hire photographers in the city, there are certain things they should pay attention to.

“There are always little things you have to cover,” McAnally said. “I don’t shoot anyone who isn’t 21 years old. I’m like, ‘So what can I do to make you feel good?'”

Since the arrest, Lill has been fired from his position as a photographer at USAA.