Man accused of installing spy cameras in home

A family asked a friend to feed their pet fish while they were away.  Instead, he is accused of installing cameras around the house to spy on them.

Seminole County sheriff’s deputies say not only did they find spy camera footage of women in their most private places -- such as their bathroom and bedrooms -- but they also found footage of the man installing yet another camera, leading them right to the suspect himself. 

Deputies said James West purchased the cameras from Amazon and installed them in his ex-girlfriend’s home. Three spy cameras were found in a bedroom wall, a television, and a bathroom mirror, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.

West is now charged with video voyeurism after deputies said he installed them in the home while his ex-girlfriend and her daughters were out of town.  He “took advantage of that access,” said Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Bob Kealing.

The women found the cameras when they returned home. According to a police report, the cameras were full of hundreds of minute-long recordings, including each of the victims in the shower.

West worked for HLE Systems, installing security systems for a living, according to the report.

“Based on that, it does give us some concern,” said Kealing. 

According to the report, the very cameras he was installing caught him in the act. Deputies found footage of a man installing them. The victim later identified him as West. 

West used to live with her in that home but moved out in February. 

James West is now free on bail. There was no answer when Fox 35 knocked on his door Wednesday. His neighbors are worried about him living nearby.

“It would be unnerving. You know, no woman wants to be put in that position,” said neighbor Sandy Davis.

“I still think it's definitely crossing a line and it shouldn't be allowed at all and it's totally a violation of privacy,” said neighbor Carly Ervine.

Sheriff’s deputies say West was able to access the video footage from an app on his phone. West denied the allegations when he was arrested. 

If they find more victims, deputies say there could be more charges.