GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Rockford-area man was sentenced Thursday to at least seven years in prison after he was convicted of possessing child pornography and taking photos up women’s skirts.

Court documents show Matthew Kurtz, 34, had over 17,000 inappropriate photos and videos on his electronic device. Kurtz admitted to taking photographs and videos up women’s shorts and skirts at several business off 28th Street last year.

“This was absolutely outrageous behavior, and there is absolutely no excuse or justification for what you did here, sir,” said Judge Mark Trusock during the sentencing. “Sir, every night while you’re in prison, I hope you think of not only your family and the problems you caused, but all these victims.”

The case should serve as a reminder to everyone to be aware of their surroundings, said James Fannon, a security specialist with Special Investigations Group.

“Those are rare instances, but they do occur,” Fannon said. “And you really have to pay attention all the time, so you don’t become the victims of a one percenter.”

Fannon’s company offers a range of armed security and investigation services and situational awareness training.

“What you really want to do is train your conscious mind to train your subconscious mind so when you do go out, you subconsciously are already thinking about these things,” he said.

Prior to trying on clothing, he said, a shopper should always scan a dressing room for electronic devices. He added that people should be aware of those around them and always turn down their headphones or listening devices so that they can hear what’s going on nearby.

Kurtz’s victims were in court Thursday and chose not to speak during victim impact statements.