Hidden Camera Found In Bathroom Leads To Arrest Of Tenant: Police

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – A man renting a room in a Mountain View home was arrested this week on child pornography-related charges after police discovered a hidden camera was placed in the residence's bathroom, according to authorities.

The Mountain View Police Department said that on Aug. 14 a woman, who lives on the 2000 block of Middlefield Road, reported receiving "threatening" online messages that included private photos of her apparently taken by a camera hidden somewhere inside her home’s bathroom.

Detectives from the newly formed Cyber Crime Unit said they investigated the premises and did, indeed, find a hidden camera in the bathroom -- a bathroom frequented by a toddler.

The Cyber Crime Unit examined devices allegedly owned by 34-year-old Jose Ballesteros, who rented a room at the home, and in at least one of the videos, footage was captured of the child using the bathroom, police said.

Ballesteros was arrested on charges of suspected possession of child pornography, manufacturing child pornography, extortion and three counts of using a hidden camera for sexual gratification.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with additional information can contact either Det. Marco Garcia or Det. Britton Moore at 650-903-6344.

Also see:

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• Man Arrested For Alleged Break-In Of Home He Rented On Airbnb In Santa Clara Co.

--Image via MVPD