The secret device recorded at least 90 people, ranging in age from 4 to 85, using the facilities at one of the coffee chain’s locations on Coleman Avenue near Taylor Street, according to the San Jose Police Department. — Photo by 99.films on Unsplash
SAN JOSE: Police have announced the arrest of a man suspected of installing a hidden camera in a women’s restroom at a Starbucks coffee shop earlier this year.
The secret device recorded at least 90 people, ranging in age from 4 to 85, using the facilities at one of the coffee chain’s locations on Coleman Avenue near Taylor Street, according to the San Jose Police Department.
Officers were called Jan 31 after someone reported the discovery of a camera affixed beneath a sink in the restroom, pointed at the toilet.
“These videos are extremely graphic and contain multiple juvenile victims,” police said.
The camera recorded between 9am and 7pm on the previous day, Jan 30. An ensuing police investigation examined the camera and found “evidence of the suspect setting up the device”, police said.
That led police to identify Louie Juarez Jr, a 35-year-old San Jose resident. On March 15, police arrested him at a home in the city. While serving a search warrant, police said they recovered “other miscellaneous micro cameras”, including one resembling a toy soccer ball.
Officers also seized more than 20 guns including an assault rifle and unregistered gun, as well as high-capacity magazines. The rifle and magazines were illegally owned, police said.
Juarez was booked on suspicion of possessing child pornography, installing a hidden surveillance camera, possessing high-capacity magazines, possessing an assault rifle, and possessing an unregistered firearm.
In a statement, a Starbucks spokesperson called the alleged intrusion “a deeply disturbing incident”.
“We are grateful for the quick and thorough response from the San Jose Police Department in apprehending the suspect,” the statement reads. “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.”
Investigators are seeking information from other potential victims of Juarez’s alleged activity. – Bay Area News Group/Tribune News Service
