Starbucks Video Voyeur Suspect Found Dead In Punta Gorda Hotel Room

A man who allegedly placed a hidden camera in a Starbucks coffeehouse at Westfield Brandon mall was found dead in a Punta Gorda hotel room earlier today, June 12.

Foul play is not suspected in the case, according to a preliminary investigation by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.

Eric Arthur Efaw, 44, of 7305 Forest Mere Drive in Riverview, was arrested June 8 and charged with voyeurism after deputies identified him as the suspect who placed the camera found under a sink in the unisex Starbucks restroom.

The Starbucks is in the south end of the mall, adjacent to Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives have not identified any images of children on the hidden camera. The sheriff’s office had received calls from concerned parents whose children may have used the bathroom.

The camera had captured images of “people standing by toilets, but no identifiable images,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Larry McKinnon.

The case started May 31 when deputies responded to a complaint filed by the manager of the Starbucks, who reportedly said that at around 1:30 p.m. she had removed a device from under a sink in the restroom.

Detectives reportedly reviewed the images captured and found one of a license plate that led to the arrest of Efaw.

Detectives said Efaw admitted placing the camera in the restroom and stated he had previously done so approximately six to seven times over the past two months.  He stated he would place the camera in the restroom and then retrieve it later.