Florida

Fort Lauderdale Fencing Coach Accused of Filming Girl in Gym Bathroom

A Fort Lauderdale fencing coach has been arrested and charged with video voyeurism and tampering with evidence.

He has also been stripped of his membership in USA Fencing by its governing body, the U.S. Center for Safesport.

Fort Lauderdale detectives arrested the man after they allege he secretly recorded a girl using the bathroom and changing her clothes at the gym he runs on March 14.

According to the police, the man’s ex-girlfriend, who still shared an Oakland Park apartment with him, found the video on his iPhone after she scrolled through its photos and videos and found a file marked “hidden.”

The video, an arrest report says, allegedly shows a girl using a toilet and changing clothes. The clip then depicts the man entering the bathroom after she leaves, retrieving the camera from the ceiling, and then repositioning the camera over the toilet, police say.

The man’s bond has been set at $25,000 for the voyeurism charge and $1,000 on the phone tampering charge. He was also ordered to have no contact with minors or possess recording devices until the court rules otherwise.

On Thursday, in stripping his membership, the U.S. Center for Safesport said the man cannot participate in any activity or competition run by USA Fencing and the United States Olympic Committee, the national organizations recognized by the United States Olympic Committee, pending the outcome of the case.

Allegations of video voyeurism can result from mistakes, misunderstandings, and even false accusations. Our experienced Florida Video Voyeurism Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton have extensive knowledge of Florida’s criminal court system and can help you understand the charges against you, identify claims and defenses that are available to you, and protect your rights.

A video voyeurism charge is a sexually based offense, which means you are looking at pretty severe consequences if convicted. However, just because you have been accused of this crime does not mean you are guilty. At Whittel & Melton, we have defended people in sex crimes cases in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas and have successfully obtained significantly lesser sentences, acquittals after trial, and even complete dismissals of cases for our clients. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, please call us today at 561-367-8777 or contact us online.

Mon Mar 26, 2:41pm