SAN JOSE: Authorities have reported the arrest of a man who is suspected of placing a hidden camera in a restroom designated for women at a Starbucks coffee shop earlier this year.
The concealed camera captured footage of at least 90 individuals, with ages ranging from 4 to 85, utilizing the restroom at a Starbucks branch on Coleman Avenue near Taylor Street, as per the San Jose Police Department.
The incident came to light on Jan 31 when an individual reported the presence of a camera attached under a sink in the restroom, aimed towards the toilet.
“The recordings contain highly explicit content and involve several minors,” stated the police.
The camera recorded activities between the hours of 9am and 7pm on the day before, Jan 30. Subsequent investigation by the police revealed evidence of the suspect setting up the camera, leading to the identification of Louie Juarez Jr, a 35-year-old resident of San Jose. On March 15, Juarez was arrested at a house in the city.
Upon executing a search warrant, law enforcement officials found “various micro cameras”, including one that resembled a toy soccer ball.
Additionally, over 20 firearms, including an assault rifle and an unregistered gun, were seized by the officers. The rifle and magazines were in illegal possession, according to the police.
Juarez was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing child pornography, placing a hidden surveillance device, possessing high-capacity magazines, possessing an assault rifle, and owning an unregistered firearm.
A spokesperson from Starbucks labeled the alleged incident “deeply disturbing” in a statement. They praised the prompt and thorough response from the San Jose Police Department in capturing the suspect and emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure environment for customers and employees.
Investigators are urging potential victims of Juarez’s actions to come forward with any relevant information. – Bay Area News Group/Tribune News Service
