A man accused of hiding multiple cameras in bathrooms at a University of Utah building could be facing five charges of voyeurism in connection to the case, according to a statement of probable cause.
He's also facing a potential felony identity fraud for the way he accessed the gym's bathrooms.
Frederick William Weitze, 32, was arrested Wednesday after multiple hidden cameras, one of them taped under a sink, were discovered on three floors at the university's Eccles Student Life Center.
According to the police affidavit, a search warrant was executed on the cameras and linked them to Weitze. Security footage reportedly shows the suspect on the various levels of the center coming in and out of restrooms at the time the cameras had been placed.
A student had located a hidden covert camera in one of the mixed-gender bathroom stalls," the arresting officer reported. "Upon checking other bathrooms, other devices and evidence of previously deployed devices were discovered on all three levels of the gym."
The arrest report obtained by KUTV does not specify how long the cameras had been recording and didn't specify how many devices were discovered. Authorities previously stated two cameras and evidence of another camera that was removed had been found. However, University of Utah police booked Weitze on suspicion of five separate Class A misdemeanor charges of voyeurism by electronic equipment concealed or disguised.
It wasn't clear how many people had been recorded, but the arrest report states "numerous victims will need to be identified from the videos obtained from the devices."
The suspect was also booked on suspicion of one third-degree felony count of identity fraud. He is accused of stealing his co-worker's identity, which the police affidavit states he used to obtain a pass to the Student Life Center by posing as a university alumnus.
The arresting officer stated Weitze is a flight risk because he doesn't have family in Utah and requested he be held without bail.
"We are afraid he will get out and continue to victimize additional students or other civilians," according to the probable cause statement.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the topic of public safety on campus. Students on campus KUTV spoke with expressed their shock, anger and disgust at Weitze's alleged actions.
I’m disgusted and kind of horrified by it,” Maya Corcoran said. "I'm always worried because it’s a public campus, you know ... it’s a big school, there’s always that risk.”
“It’s just hard to hear, especially being a student here,” Sonoma Mougenot said. "There are safety issues everywhere. You question it anywhere you go.”
“My first reaction, I’m kind of shocked,” Cory Cadwell said. “I mean female or male, no matter your gender, that’s a pretty horrible thing to happen. So I’m glad they hopefully got it all figured out.”
A full statement from the director of Eccles Student Life Center can be found below:
Dear Student Life Center staff and patrons,
On Wednesday, Nov. 30, a patron found a camera taped under a sink in a third-floor all-gender bathroom and brought it to the front desk. Staff called University Police, who took custody of the camera and searched restrooms throughout the building. A second camera was located in an all-gender bathroom on the basement level. Tape which may have attached a third camera was discovered under a sink in a second-floor, all-gender restroom.
University Police have both cameras in evidence and are working to access the images and recordings on each. A suspect has been identified and arrested. If you see anything suspicious in any of these restrooms or other spaces in the Student Life Center, please call U Police dispatch at 801-585-2677, and mention case number 22-3275.
I know that this information is upsetting and disturbing. Many of our patrons will feel victimized and violated by the perpetrator who installed these cameras in what are supposed to be private and safe areas of our recreation center. Please know that university leaders share your outrage and will do everything in our power to hold responsible the person who destroyed our sense of safety and community.
I urge anyone impacted by this incident to reach out to victim advocates with the Center for Student Wellnessand at University Safety. The University of Utah’s comprehensive student support resources, including mental health services, also are available to any of the impacted patrons. Additional resources are listed below.
All center restrooms and locker rooms have been searched and no additional cameras or tape were found. I want to assure all employees and patrons that going forward, staff will continue to check under sinks and countertops throughout restroom and locker spaces to make certain no cameras have been installed.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns in the coming days as we work together to identify and hold the perpetrators responsible, protect individual privacy and preserve the safety of our campus.
Sincerely,
John MacDonald
Director, Eccles Student Life Center