- A camera hidden in a Starbucks in San José recorded people using the restroom, police say.
- Police say the footage showed more than 90 people aged from four to 85 using the restroom.
- A 35-year-old man was arrested on charges including possessing child pornography and installing a hidden camera.
A camera hidden in a Starbucks in San José recorded “extremely graphic” footage of people using the restroom, police say.
Officers from the San José Police Department, responding to a report on January 31, “discovered a camera hidden beneath the restroom sink facing the toilet” at a coffee shop in Coleman Avenue, a press release says.
Detectives found footage of more than 91 people, aged between four and 85, using the restroom on January 30, SJPD said.
“These videos are extremely graphic and contain multiple juvenile victims, fully exposed,” SJPD said in the press release.
Officers apprehended a suspect and searched his property, where they found “miscellaneous micro cameras” as well as about 20 firearms, including an assault rifle, the press release says.
The suspect, a 35-year-old San José resident, was arrested last week and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges including possession of child pornography and installment of a hidden surveillance camera with audio, SJPD said.
He also faces charges for the possession of high-capacity magazines, an assault rifle, and an unregistered firearm.
SJPD did not name the coffee shop, but Starbucks confirmed to SFGATE that the camera had been concealed at its store at 695 Coleman Avenue.
“This is a deeply disturbing incident,” Starbucks told SFGATE. “We cannot overstate the importance of providing a safe environment for our customers and partners (employees). We will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement on this matter.”
Business Insider has approached Starbucks for comment.
Reports of hidden cameras have become more common in recent years as these cameras become more affordable and accessible.
Airbnb said earlier this year that it is banning indoor security cameras that could capture guest activities amid concerns about guest privacy. Some guests alleged that they found hidden cameras at their holiday rentals.
