Somerset County Cashier Took Video Up Hundreds Of Women's Skirts, Authorities Say

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A Somerset County convenience store clerk faces multiple charges after prosecutors said he used his cell phone to take videos underneath women's skirts without their knowledge.

Miguel A. Melchor-Gomez was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple counts of invasion of privacy and endangering the welfare of a child after prosecutors said he victimized hundreds of women and girls over nearly two years.

According to prosecutors, the crimes occurred between December 2021 and August 2023 at the Circle Convenience Store, located inside the Sunoco gas station at 53 Stirling Rd. in Watchung, where Melchor-Gomez worked as a cashier.

An investigation by police revealed Melchor-Gomez used his cell phone to film under victims' clothing in one of two ways. According to prosecutors, Melchor-Gomez pretended the credit card machine didn't work and directed victims to the counter, where he would stand close to them to complete the purchase. Authorities said that Melchor-Gomez also would position himself close to his victims at other locations inside the store.

While most of the victims were adults, prosecutors said several were under 18.

Following Melchor-Gomez's arrest, police said authorities seized his cell phone. Authorities said they don't believe Melchor-Gomez shared or posted any of the videos online.

Authorities said police are working to identify the victims and asked anyone who believes they may have been victims to determine when they were in the store and what clothes they wore. Victims should then contact the Watchung Police Department at WPD.TIPS@watchungpd.com or by phone at 908-756-2504.