Tavares Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Filming Underage Exchange Students

A 78-year-old man has been charged with nine counts of video voyeurism and two counts of possession of child pornography, according to an affidavit of probable cause from the Tavares Police Department.

The affidavit claims that the victim, a male German foreign exchange student living with the man, told police a mirror-style digital clock was placed in his bathroom on May 17. When opened, a memory card and USB port was found.

The student said he had found gay pornographic images on the man’s computer. He then apparently checked the web history and found websites for “digital spy clock cameras” and spy camera systems, according to the affidavit. The teen told police that he also saw an email confirmation for a spy camera purchase.

According to the affidavit, several items, including a computer hard drive, the “digital spy camera clock,” a laptop, cameras, and digital storage devices were taken to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Police claim that after reviewing the files they found a video of the alleged victim taking his pants down before using the bathroom and a recording of what is believed to be the accused setting up the clock camera.

A computer found apparently contained videos of an unknown minor male touching himself and another boy toweling off, according to the affidavit.

Forte International Exchange Association and CCI Greenheart gave police the minors’ names, documents for their ages, and dates they were at the man’s home. They were all under 18 and attending Tavares High School, according to police.

The man was arrested and was released on $55,000 bond, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Depending upon how a voyeurism offense is charged by the State Attorney’s Office, it can either be a first-degree misdemeanor or a felony charge. To prove the crime of video voyeurism, prosecutors must demonstrate that the accused secretly observed the victim with a lewd or lascivious intent when the victim was in an area in which they had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The charge can be enhanced when the person filmed is a minor.

If you find yourself charged with the crime of video voyeurism, the consequences are serious, but there are possible defenses. To discuss your case further with a sex crimes attorney at Whittel & Melton, please call us today at or contact us online. Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential.