Foreign Students Find Hidden Cameras In Miami Beach Apartment
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MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) – Stunned Miami Beach residents reacted to news their neighbor is charged with video voyeurism after foreign students found hidden cameras in their apartment.
The victims allegedly discovered this within a day of moving into their apartment building at 16th Street and Euclid Avenue. Miami Beach Police say the students found three portable clocks in their bathroom with cameras inside them. They called police and they responded.
Wearing headsets to hear a translator, 39-year-old Winston Vargas, listened to what a judge noted from a police report.
"He rents rooms to people and puts hidden cameras in the bathroom so he can see people in the shower," said the judge.
"It's obviously a disgusting action taken by the defendant in this case to violate a woman or a male in this most intimate of settings," said Miami Beach Police Officer Ernesto Rodriguez.
Police say Vargas, a restaurant host for 14 years, advertised on Craig's List and rented space in the apartment to three foreign students Monday. By Tuesday, they made the disturbing discovery.
"They investigated and found hidden cameras with SD card slots and they contacted officers," said Rodriguez.
One victim feared she was captured on camera taking a shower.
"He spontaneously said to the officers he would return the money as long as they don't press charges against him," said Rodriguez.
Police say Vargas initially denied placing video cameras in the bathroom clocks. Then he said a man from England did it but could not identify him.
"I think this was very horrible and disgusting. I have children. He was always very quiet and I never thought he would do anything like this," said neighbor Danielle Clayton.
Another neighbor, Jorge Gonzalez, said, "My reaction is that if this happens in this building it should be dealt with."
The three students have moved out and police are not naming them to protect their identities.
Vargas, who has no criminal record, has been ordered to stay away from them. His bond was set at $5,000. At last check, he remained in jail.
Police say it's not known if there are other victims from other incidents.
"This is a case of see something, say something," said Rodriguez. "We want everyone to be aware of their surroundings."
He went on, "We have also been in touch with our code enforcement officers because it is a violation to be involved with short-term rents and that is what happened at this location."
If you think you might be a victim, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
