Man accused of using camera to look up skirts

Published 10:54 pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009

EVERETT — A University of Washington student is accused of using a hidden video camera to spy up women’s skirts.

The Everett man, 31, was charged Wednesday with voyeurism and possession of child pornography, both felonies.

In addition to the homemade movies, the man allegedly had hundreds of sexually explicit images of children, including some videos of young children involved in bestiality, according to court papers.

Snohomish County sheriff’s detectives first began investigating the man last fall after his ex-girlfriend reported finding child pornography on the man’s computer. She broke up with the man and called police.

Detectives searched the man’s laptop computer and discovered hundreds of images.

The defendant told investigators he knows it’s wrong to view child pornography, according to court documents.

While there is no evidence to suggest that the man has sexually abused any children, he’s part of the demand for child pornography and is contributing to the abuse of children, Snohomish County deputy Mark Roe wrote in court papers.

“Anybody who thinks (child pornography) is a victimless crime is nuts,” Roe said.

Investigators also discovered homemade videos taken at public locations, including the University of Washington in Seattle and at least one Snohomish County restaurant.

Detectives interviewed a waitress who remembered the man, who called her over to his table several times. She was unaware she was being filmed.

Other victims remain unidentified.

UW police are investigating the images taken on campus.

Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463, hefley@heraldnet.com.