Ocala Man Arrested for Video Voyeurism After Hidden Cameras Discovered in Young Woman’s Bathroom and Bedroom
On May 17, a concerned mother contacted the Ocala Police Department after discovering a small hidden camera concealed in an electrical outlet in her young adult daughter’s bathroom. Officer Braun responded to the residence, where he collected the camera, which was blinking with a small lens visible from inside the outlet. The outlet, positioned directly facing the shower and toilet, raised significant concerns about privacy violations.
The mother informed police that John Butler, 58, who had previously lived with them and had a past relationship with her, might be involved. The investigation deepened when, on May 19, Ocala PD received another call from the same residence about a second hidden camera. This camera was cleverly disguised as a Wi-Fi repeater in the daughter’s bedroom, reportedly installed by Butler a few years earlier.
Detective Park took charge of the case, conducting a thorough investigation that led to the establishment of probable cause to arrest Butler for installing the hidden cameras in locations where privacy is reasonably expected. On May 22, Detective Park located Butler at his workplace, Butler Insurance, and arrested him on charges of video voyeurism. During an interview, Butler initially cooperated but later invoked his Fifth Amendment right when questioned about any videos or images of the young woman on his phone.
Butler was subsequently taken to the Marion County Jail.
The Ocala Police Department emphasizes that such crimes will not be tolerated. They urge residents to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings to protect their personal privacy. Hidden cameras can be discreetly placed in everyday items such as electrical outlets, routers, smoke detectors, and other household objects. Regularly inspecting personal spaces, especially bathrooms and bedrooms, for suspicious devices is crucial. Authorities say any suspicious findings should be reported to the police immediately.
