Florida

Man accused of video voyeurism at Seminole State College

An Orlando man is facing a video-voyeurism charge after police say he took pictures of a man in a bathroom stall at Seminole State College.

The 41-year-old was arrested Wednesday and charged in the November incident. He’s being held at the Seminole County Jail on $8,000 bond.

The alleged victim claims he was using a bathroom at the campus when he saw a hand holding a phone appear underneath the stall and heard a picture being taken, according to a police report.

While he was still in the bathroom, the alleged victim saw the accused run out the adjacent stall.

The Altamonte Springs police were called and arrived as the accused was leaving the campus on a bus, authorities said. Security officers were able to identify him.

A search warrant was obtained for the accused’s phone. Investigators apparently sorted through more than 30,000 pictures and found three that appeared to have been taken in the restroom. One of the pictures allegedly showed the alleged victim with his pants down, according to court documents.

The accused has been enrolled in an adult education program since summer 2017, according to a spokeswoman for the college.

The state of Florida considers video voyeurism to be:

• A person is unknowingly photographed or video recorded while dressing, undressing, or in any other way exposing their body that could be considered private.
• A person is unknowingly filmed through or under their clothing in order to expose their body or under garments.

It is important to point out that video voyeurism is generally conducted as a means for entertainment or sexual gratification.

The alleged offender in this case is over the age of 19, which makes this crime a third-degree felony. Punishments include up to 5 years in prison, up to 5 years of probation and up to $5,000 in fines.

While these charges are serious, there are defenses to this crime. The expectation of privacy has to be crystal clear in these types of cases, and the prosecution must prove that the alleged victim would have assumed that they were in a private situation.

If you are facing sex crimes charges related to video voyeurism, our Florida Voyeurism Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to request a free consultation where we can review your case.

Thu Apr 26, 12:44pm