'Shock Probation' For Town Hall Restroom-Camera Installer

Editor's Note: Lider Velez was sentenced to five months shock probation, which includes prison for a short time; then the remainder of the sentence is suspended in favor of probation. The sentence was described incorrectly in the original version of this article. Patch regrets the error.

OSSINING, NY — A former Ossining janitor who installed a hidden camera in the restroom at Village Hall was sentenced to shock probation, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced Monday.

Former Ossining employee Lider Velez, 49, was sentenced Feb. 27 for his previously entered plea to Unlawful Surveillance in the 2nd Degree, a felony.

Velez, of Peekskill, was arrested June 21, 2017, after another worker found a hidden camera in the public restroom at Ossining Village Hall. Police alleged the camera was placed there by Velez, a member of the maintenance staff, capturing women on camera as they used the facilities.

Velez, who had worked for Ossining for 14 years, has been sentenced to five months shock probation with sex offender conditions and will have to register as a sex offender upon his release. Shock probation is when a judge orders a convicted offender to prison for a short time then suspends the remainder of the sentence in favor of probation. It is hoped that the initial experience of prison will provide an effective deterrent from recidivism.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michelle Lopez, Chief, Sex Crimes Bureau.

SEE: Janitor Had Secret Camera In Village Hall Bathroom

PHOTO: Lider Velez/ Westchester County DA's Office