Lynnwood video voyeur draws 10 years in prison

Published 11:45 am Friday, February 22, 2008

Calling it an “outrageous case of victimization,” a judge March 14 sentenced a Lynnwood peeping Tom with a video camera to nearly 10 years in prison for voyeurism and several other offenses.

Phillip J. Kraus, 39, admitted riding around town on a BMX bicycle armed with the camera. He said he crept up to people’s windows and taped people of both sexes and of all ages in various stages of undress.

Kraus asked for a special sentencing alternative that would limit his time in prison, while allowing him to seek treatment for his sexual problems.

But Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Richard Thorpe would have none of that.

“This is probably the most outrageous case of lawlessness and victimization I’ve ever seen,” Thorpe told Kraus.

Lynnwood detectives confiscated more than 100 videotapes from Kraus’ home, all secretly made in recent years. Probably scores of victims have yet to be identified. Kraus was accused of sneaking up to people’s doors or windows to record them in their baths, beds or on the toilet.

On one seized tape, police said there was an adult woman who appeared to be unconscious on a bed. The tape later shows Kraus touching the woman in a sexual manner.

A 13-year-old girl was identified as a victim, and images of her were dubbed onto other tapes “so parts he liked were being played over and over and over,” said Lynnwood detective Sgt. Steve Rider, who spoke in favor of a long prison sentence.

Another image was of a 6-year-old girl in a bathtub.

Kraus and his lawyer, Lennard Nahajski, asked for a lighter sentence.

Kraus was convicted of two counts of voyeurism and one count each of indecent liberties, dealing in images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct and growing marijuana.

He also pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor for violating terms of a protection order obtained by his ex-wife.

Nahajski argued that a respected therapist, Roger Wolfe, said he might be able to help Kraus. He asked Thorpe to sentence his client to less than two years on the marijuana conviction and hold the rest over his head pending successful completion of treatment.

Two friends of Kraus also pleaded for the lighter sentence.

Deputy prosecutor Lisa Paul said a light sentence would be wrong.

“The defendant has been treated lightly in the past, and used that to justify his behavior,” she told the judge.

Wolfe’s estimation was that Kraus is “at best a borderline candidate” for the treatment program, and there’s a high risk he will reoffend.

Kraus’ ex-wife warned the judge that Kraus is manipulative. Treatment’s fine for him, as long as it’s behind bars, she added.

A young woman who was taped told the judge her life has been turned upside down, knowing someone had been so close.

“Bushes by windows scare me,” she said.

Thorpe told Kraus he had faith in Wolfe’s abilities as a therapist, but added, “he’s no miracle worker, and I am of the mind that only a miracle worker or prison will keep you from offending again.”

Kraus’ ex-wife said she was “so relieved. I was afraid he was going to get out.”

Rider also was pleased.

“I think the judge did the right thing,” the detective said. “A lot of people will be able to start their healing now.”

Jim Haley is a reporter for the Herald in Everett.