HALLANDALE BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A man faces video voyeurism charges months after, police said, he installed multiple hidden cameras inside the Hallandale Beach home where he was hired as a handyman.
Pedro Avila appeared before a Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer on Wednesday.
“You were arrested on a warrant from Broward County, and the warrant was issued on November 3rd, 2021,” said Glazer.
The suspect shook his head as the judge read his charges, including two counts of video voyeurism.
“You also have two counts of battery, which are no bond,” said Glazer.
Hallandale Beach Police Capt. Pedro Abut revealed where the suspect placed the video equipment.
“We discovered numerous cameras, an elaborate setup involving cameras in the sink, in closets, in stuffed animals, in the ceiling,” he said, “and basically, the person, who is the person now under arrest, Mr. Avila, video recording these victims in their most intimate type of moments.”
Detectives began their investigation back in June. They said Avila, a handyman and plumber, installed the cameras after he was hired to work on the home, and the residents of the home had no idea.
Police said the residents eventually found the cameras, and when they confronted Avila about it, the suspect hit them and took off.
“I mean this is – it shocks the conscience in that it is something so vile, encroaching on someone’s fundamental rights to privacy,” said Abut, “and we also want to notify the public that this has occurred.”
The suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday.
“You’re going to have to wait for Broward County to come and pick you up,” said Glazer.
Since the suspect has done jobs in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Abut has a warning for homeowners who have hired him in the past.
“If they had Mr. Avila in their house doing work there, they need to review what it is that he did, and if they find something suspicious, to come forward,” he said.
As of Wednesday night, the suspect is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center while we waits to be extradited to Broward County. He will be transferred to the Broward County Jail.
Detectives said the currently have no evidence that there were other victims, but they’re reaching out to be public in order to make sure.
If you believe you may have been targeted by Avila, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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