Crime & Safety

WCU Student Recorded 20 Women Using Bathrooms Across 3 States: DA

The college student turned "technological predator" hid cameras to record women across three states, the DA said.

WEST CHESTER, PA — A college student turned "technological predator" recorded women using cameras hidden in public restrooms, changing rooms, and private homes across three states, the Chester County District Attorney's Office said.

Joshua Yannuzzi, 24, who studies musical theater student at West Chester University, specifically targeted women he knew, officials said.

At least 50 different recordings were made at eight different locations across three different states over the past two years, a criminal complaint states. At least 20 women have been identified as victims, but there could be more. Yannuzzi was very active in the theater community, and used his knowledge of women in the community to target them, according to the DA.

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In addition to the E.O. Bull Center on West Chester University's campus, cameras were also hidden in public bathrooms and changing rooms at the Footlighters Theater in Berwyn, the Genesius Theatre in Reading, the Street Lamp Productions Theater in Rising Sun, Maryland, and at personal residences in Philadelphia, West Chester, Reading, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

At least one of these illegal recordings was then shared online on pornographic website, where it was viewed more than a thousand times, the DA said.

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In an interview with police, Yannuzzi confessed that he was sexually aroused by the recordings and would masturbate to them later, the criminal complaint states.

Yannuzzi was arrested on Oct. 10 following an incident at the school.

>>Cell Phone Taped To Sink At West Chester University Bathroom

A woman was using a single person bathroom inside the O.E. Bull Center on campus when she noticed an iPhone taped to the wall, pointing at the toilet and recording, the DA's Office said. Yannuzzi was found outside of the bathrooom and was arrested. Security footage showed him place the phone in the bathroom, then checking the bathroom after a victim left.

He has been charged with more than 100 offenses, including wire tap violations, criminal use of a communication facility, distribution of obscene materials, and invasion of privacy. He has been banned from West Chester University's campus while an investigation is underway.

Police believe there could be more victims. If you have any information, contact authorities at 610-344-6866.

Image via Chester County District Attorney's Office

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