Sex Crime

St. Pete Restaurant Employee Accused of Recording Women in Bathroom

An 18-year-old man was arrested after deputies said he used his mobile phone to record a woman in a restroom.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the man has been charged with one count of video voyeurism.

Deputies responded Sunday to a St. Pete restaurant after receiving a report of a man recording women using the restroom.

A 35-year-old woman at the restaurant told deputies she was using the restroom when she spotted a mobile phone facing her above the restroom wall divider. According to investigators, the women’s and men’s restrooms have separate entrances but share a common wall.

The woman said the accused exited the men’s side shortly after she left the restroom. The woman’s boyfriend confronted the accused who allegedly admitted to recording her.

The accused apparently allowed deputies to search his phone and told them there were similar video on it.

Charges of video voyeurism come into play when someone is accused of filming others in a private situation, such as dressing (or undressing), using the bathroom or engaging in sexual activity. Video voyeurism charges can have numerous legal consequences. Depending on the circumstances and evidence, including the age of the alleged victim, video voyeurism may be considered a misdemeanor or felony. A conviction can lead to anywhere from short jail sentence and fines to lengthy prison terms, registration as a sex offender, probation, and even civil lawsuits.

Video voyeurism charges can be vague and complex. Our Florida Video Voyeurism Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton will help you understand your rights and options under the law and develop the best strategy for your defense. Call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Wed Sep 12, 7:28am