Religious supervisor arrested in Florida for allegedly recording girls in the bathroom with a hidden camera
A 59-year-old man linked to a church in Fruitland Park, Florida, was arrested on charges related to alleged video voyeurism
A man identified as a supervisor inside a church in Fruitland Park, Florida, was arrested on charges related to alleged video voyeurism after investigators found images stored on a work computer.
Authorities identified the detainee as Charles Barton Lucas, 59, who was arrested Friday by the Lake County Sheriff's Office, according to FOX35 Orlando.
According to authorities, the investigation began after the chief technology officer of RoMac Building Supply notified the Leesburg Police Department of the discovery of a folder on Google Drive containing images deemed inappropriate.
Investigation led to the discovery of alleged recordings in a church
According to the sheriff's office, further analysis led to the location of more videos that apparently showed teenagers and adult women inside private areas of a church.
Investigators concluded that the recordings allegedly came from a hidden camera installed in one of the changing rooms and bathrooms of the religious facility.
When authorities returned to inspect the site, they indicated that the cameras were no longer installed.
RoMac Building Supply confirmed in a statement that the discovery occurred during a routine company procedure and noted that it immediately notified the authorities.
The company also reported that Lucas stopped working for the organization following the incident.
Church affirms that it cooperates with the authorities
The church identified as Heritage Community Church initially issued a message indicating that they were praying for Lucas and his family.
He later released a second statement focused on people potentially affected by the allegations.
In the statement, the church noted that its main concern is the individuals and families who may have been impacted and assured that it will fully collaborate with the authorities during the process.
Lucas was taken to the Lake County Jail on Friday night and was later released Saturday on $25,000 bail, according to authorities.
No additional charges have been announced at this time and the investigation remains open.