Disney Employee Fired and Arrested for Video Voyeurism

April 28, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements, Sex Crimes Social Share

Video voyeurism is a disturbing and unlawful act that has become more and more prevalent due to the current state of technology. When a person is caught filming someone else without their consent while undressing or in an intimate act, they can be charged with video voyeurism.

Video voyeurism is often committed for personal gratification or pleasure. This type of behavior is considered a serious violation of privacy. It can lead to devastating consequences for the victims, including revenge porn published online. Those who are caught engaging in this type of behavior can be arrested and face criminal charges in Florida.

In recent years, the issue of video voyeurism has gained more attention due to the rise of the digital age. Smartphones and other smart devices with built-in cameras make it easier for perpetrators, and harder for victims to detect and prevent video voyeurism.

In this blog post, we will explain video voyeurism and its penalties in Florida, along with an example case of a Disney employee who has been fired and charged for video voyeurism allegations.

What was the Case?

Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested Disney employee Jorge Diaz Vega, 26, after he was accused of filming up female guests’ skirts at Hollywood Studios.

According to the report, deputies responded to a report on March 31^st, 2023 after someone claimed Diaz Vega filmed “up [the] skirt of a female guest” at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities in the Star Wars land.

The 18-year-old victim was told later that day by a security guard that someone was caught filming under her dress. The girl “was not aware at the time the incident took place, and she was not told the identity of the male,” the authorities said in the affidavit.

When police interviewed Diaz Vega in a Disney employee office, he admitted to filming over 500 videos of customers inside the theme park. The defendant claimed the videos and images were used for “sexual gratification” as a “guilty pleasure.”

Diaz Vega was charged with video voyeurism and has since been released on a $2,500 bond. His case is still pending, and he no longer works for Walt Disney World.

Video Voyeurism

Video voyeurism is the act of using video equipment or technology to secretly record or capture images of another person naked, undressing, or engaging in intimate activities. Video voyeurism is an invasion of privacy and a criminal offense, due to the act happening without the recorded person’s consent.

Reasons for video voyeurism include personal gratification or pleasure. Common places where the act of video voyeurism can take place include:

• Bathrooms
• Changing rooms
• Bedrooms
• Public areas
• Beaches

Video voyeurism is a crime codified under Florida Statute Section 810.145, with varying penalties depending on the details of the case.

If the defendant is under 19 and is arrested for video voyeurism, they can face a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalties for a first-degree misdemeanor include up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.

If the defendant is 19 years of age or older and is arrested for video voyeurism, they can face a third-degree felony. The penalties for a third-degree felony include up to a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

If the defendant has previously been convicted of a video voyeurism offense and is arrested for a second- or subsequent offense they can face a second-degree felony.

It is also considered a second-degree felony if the defendant is 24 years of age or older and commits a video voyeurism offense on a person younger than 16, regardless of whether the defendant knew the victim’s age.

The penalties for a second-degree felony include up to a $10,000 fine and up to 15 years in prison.  

Data on Crime at Florida Theme Parks  

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the state received 355 reported incidents of crime in the “Amusement Park” category in Florida during 2020. The following highlights the key findings from the reported incidents:

• 238 theft offenses
• 33 burglary offenses
• 23 assault offenses
• 18 fraud offenses
• 8 sexual offenses

It’s important to note that each theme park varies in volume and capacity, along with the incidents which are reported to the police.

Finding a Video Voyeurism Defense Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

If you or a loved one has been accused of video voyeurism in Florida, it is in your best interest to speak with a legal representative as soon as possible. If convicted, you may face expensive fines and imprisonment. The benefit of working with a defense attorney is having someone on your side who is not only knowledgeable regarding the law but is prepared to fight vigorously for your case.

Don Pumphrey and his team have years of experience working with those wrongfully accused of criminal offenses in Florida. Contact Pumphrey Law Firm today and receive a free consultation regarding your case. Call us at (850) 681-7777 or leave an online message.

Written by Karissa Key

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