- A microcamera was discovered under a sink in the bathroom of a Starbucks
- Louie Juarez Jr., 35, was arrested for allegedly filming more than 90 victims
- According to police, the victims filmed are between four and 85 years old
A man has been arrested for allegedly planting a hidden camera in a Starbucks bathroom in California.
Police said the camera was found on Jan. 31 by an employee under the sink in front of the toilet at a Starbucks in the 600 block of Coleman Avenue.
The suspect, Louie Juarez Jr., 35, was arrested Friday and identified by police as a “violent predator” who allegedly filmed more than 90 victims in the bathroom.
Investigators said victims ranging in age from four to 85 were caught on camera between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Jan. 30.
“These videos are extremely graphic and show multiple juvenile victims who are fully exposed,” said Officer Tanya Hernandez.
Authorities don't know whether Juarez posted the footage online or sent it to someone else. They are also not sure if he has done this in other public places. (Pictured: the micro camera he placed under the bathroom sink) The suspect, Louie Juarez Jr., 35, was arrested Friday and identified as a “violent predator” who allegedly filmed more than 90 victims on the toilet
Juarez was arrested at his home, where police found additional microcameras, 20 firearms, including an assault rifle, an unregistered weapon and high-capacity magazines.
Lydia Zapata, who said she used the restroom at the cafe last week, told ABC 7, “It's terrible because we use the restroom quite often.”
Authorities don't know whether Juarez posted the footage online or sent it to someone else. They are also not sure if he has done this in other public places.
“That's a possibility and that's why we're asking the public if they have any additional information or believe they used the restroom at that cafe to contact investigators,” Officer Hernandez said.
Another horrified resident, Marta Gonzalez, told KTVU, “To hear someone looking at us… this is my privacy, my children, you know. 'That's terrible.'
In response to the shocking discovery, Starbucks told DailyMail.com that it was a “deeply disturbing incident.”
“We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to provide a safe environment for our customers and partners (employees),” the coffee company added.
Investigators said that between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Jan. 30, victims ranging in age from four to 85 were caught on camera in the cafe's bathroom. When he was arrested at his home, police found additional microcameras, 20 firearms including an assault rifle, an unregistered magazine and high-capacity magazines. In response to the frightening discovery, Starbucks said it was a “deeply disturbing incident.”
Starbucks said it was “grateful” to the police and would continue to cooperate with law enforcement.
Since the frightening discovery, many concerned customers are wondering if they have recently used a public toilet.
“And it makes you think about how widespread this could be anywhere outside of Starbucks,” Scott Picanco, a San Jose resident, told ABC 7.
Alli Rodriguez, another resident, said: “So now I'm just second guessing every toilet that's in public?” It's really disgusting. And that person should be ashamed.'
Juarez was charged with possession of child pornography, installing a hidden surveillance camera with audio and possession of an assault rifle.
He was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail.
San Jose police have asked anyone who believes they were caught on camera to contact the department.
Comments are closed.