Man Accused of Child Porn, Filming Children in Library

A man who was already arrested for child porn charges is now facing voyeurism charges as well. The man faces additional charges after he was caught filming children in a library restroom.

On February 13, a 12-year-old girl who was at the Lutz Branch Library on West Lutz Lake Fern Road noticed that the 27-year-old man was in the women’s restroom and filming her with his phone. She called the police and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived to arrest the man.

The next day, detectives conducted a search warrant at the man’s home. There, they found numerous images of child pornography on the man’s phone. The man was arrested and booked into Orient Road Jail. He is facing 100 counts of child pornography possession, 10 or more images and content of images, and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the case. So far, they added voyeurism charges based on their investigation. They discovered that the man had filmed at least four children in the women’s restroom at the library. He also filmed himself while performing sexual acts on himself.

The man is now facing the following additional charges:

• Three counts of voyeurism
• Three counts of video voyeurism (when the defendant is age 24 or older and the victim is under the age of 16)
• Unlawful use of a two-way communications device

The sheriff called the man’s actions “disgusting.” He says he and the department are committed to ensuring that every child is secure and protected in Hillsborough County. The investigation is still ongoing.

What is Video Voyeurism?

Video voyeurism is the act of using technology to secretly record or observe individuals without their knowledge or consent. The act is typically done with the use of cameras or smartphones in private or intimate settings where the victims have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Someone has a “reasonable expectation of privacy” if they believe their intimate body parts would not be visible by the public. This includes places such as restrooms and dressing rooms. This behavior is often done for sexual gratification or amusement.

Video voyeurism is considered a violation of privacy and can have legal consequences, including criminal charges. Laws regarding video voyeurism vary by state, but many jurisdictions have specific statutes to address this type of behavior. Video voyeurism may be charged as a federal offense. A person can face hefty fines and up to one year in prison.

Contact a Legal Professional for Help

Crimes against children are punished harshly, especially when sex and voyeurism is involved. The law looks down on those who prey on kids.

Arrested for similar crimes? Get a solid defense from a Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. We help clients through the criminal defense process and work to protect them from negative public exposure. To schedule a consultation, call (352) 505-1799 or fill out the online form.

Source:

abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/man-accused-of-filming-children-in-library-restroom-facing-more-charges-hcso