Video Voyeurism – Man Charged with Hiding Camera in Public Restroom

September 3, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements, Sex Crimes Social Share

It is against the law to film other people without their consent when they are in a private area. Video voyeurism is a serious criminal offense in Florida, one that can result in a felony charge.

One recent case in Florida highlights the dangers of video voyeurism and what can result from getting a video voyeurism charge. 

What was the Incident?

Dana Alan Caruso, 58, has been arrested in a video voyeurism case that took place at a family restroom in Sanibel Island, Florida. The New Hampshire local was arrested in Chicago and is being extradited back to Lee County, Florida for the charges.

On July 28^th at Bowman’s Beach Park, several of the employees noticed a new fire alarm that was placed inside the bathroom wall. The employees asked if the device was installed by the city staff, to which they denied. The employees decided to then contact the authorities regarding the device.

When the police arrived at the scene, they were able to verify that it was not a fire alarm. They reported that the device contained a video camera, that had intentionally been placed inside to record people who were using the restroom.

The Sanibel police contacted other law enforcement departments near the area to warn them about possible cameras being hidden in public restrooms. “The suspect was thought to be moving through various communities in Florida,” City of Sanibel Police Chief William Dalton said. “We would like to identify victims of this crime so the additional charges against the suspect can be considered.”

An investigation took place, in which police were able to identify Caruso as the individual who installed the false fire alarm with the camera inside. The authorities obtained an arrest warrant for the accused person, and Caruso was arrested on August 9^th and taken into custody in Chicago. Once extradited to Florida, Caruso is set to face video voyeurism charges, along with other criminal charges.

Responses

Several individuals were questioned by WINK News about the incident that took place in the Sanibel Island area.

Rudy Woodridge, a local to Sanibel, commented, “I mean, you’re always checking your surroundings for safety. But that’s just one more thing…[it’s] just disgusting, really hard to believe that people are that sick that they would put a hidden camera in a public washroom.” 

One of the tourists to Sanibel, Claire Horton, answered, “I’m a little bit shocked, and a little bit mortified, and a little bit disgusted, that somebody wouldn’t even think to do such a thing. It’s going to make me more cautious and more alert.”

Video Voyeurism in Florida

When an individual secretly records another person in a private area without their consent, it is considered video voyeurism. Florida Statute 810.145 explains video voyeurism as intended for the individual’s own amusement, entertainment, sexual arousal, gratification, or profit in the following three acts:

• To degrade or abuse another person. The defendant has allegedly used or installed a camera or imaging device to secretly view or record another person without their knowledge or consent while they are privately exposing their body.
• On behalf of another person. The defendant has allegedly installed a camera or imaging device to secretly view or record another person without their knowledge or consent while they are privately exposing their body.
• Through the victim’s clothing. The defendant has allegedly used a camera or imaging device without the victim’s knowledge or consent, for the purpose of viewing the body or undergarments worn by the victim.

If the victim of video voyeurism is 19 years old or older, then the charge is considered a third-degree felony. The penalties for this charge include up to a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

If the defendant has prior convictions, then the charge is considered a second-degree felony. The penalties for this charge include up to a $10,000 fine and up to fifteen years in prison.

If the victim of a video voyeurism case is considered a child, then the charge is a second-degree felony. In addition to the potential $10,000 fine and fifteen-year prison sentence, getting convicted of video voyeurism involving a child will also result in being designated as a sex offender. This has lasting consequences, like difficulty finding a job or a place to live or living with the stigma of being a registered sex offender.

To find out more about video voyeurism and its potential defenses, read our informative page here.

Finding a Defense Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

If you or a loved one have been accused of a video voyeurism violation, you should immediately seek out the legal advice of a skilled Florida defense attorney. A guilty conviction can result in hefty fines, imprisonment, and the stigma of carrying a criminal charge on your permanent record. With video voyeurism, there is also the factor of the victim’s age that can play a large role in the case. If the victim is under the age of 18, you could also end up on the registered sex offender list. Figuring out the best strategy for the defense in your case is top priority. Don Pumphrey and his team at Pumphrey Law Firm have represented clients across the state of Florida for various charges. Call us at (850) 681-7777 or leave an online message today for a free consultation.

Written by Karissa Key

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