Man charged for allegedly masturbating with Elmo doll during home inspection
A home inspector who allegedly masturbated with an Elmo doll during a home inspection — which was recorded by a camera in the baby’s room — has been charged with two misdemeanors.
Kevin Wayne VanLuven, 59, of Clarkston, was arraigned April 7 in Rochester Hills’ 52-3 District Court on charges of aggravated indecent exposure and malicious destruction of property under $200. Magistrate Karen Holt set bond at $2,500 cash/surety.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, an Oxford Township couple told detectives they were selling their home and had let VanLuven and the buyer’s real estate agent in on March 12, then left during the home inspection which was requested by the prospective buyers. A camera in the nursery subsequently alerted the homeowner’s phone of movement in the room, and while checking the phone the homeowner allegedly saw VanLuven in the nursery, touching himself. The homeowner recorded the incident, which also reportedly showed that VanLuven picked up the Elmo doll from the nursery floor and then appeared to pleasure himself with the doll before returning it to the floor.
“Just when I think I have seen it all, someone steps up and surprises me with a new level of disturbing actions,” Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “Sadly, in today’s world we cannot take it on faith that the people we let into our homes can be trusted. We cannot always presume that employers have done their job and have confidence their employees are trustworthy and are there to do the job for which they’ve been hired. This is a disgusting reminder to be cautious about who you let into your home. The actions of these homeowners will likely prevent this defendant from going into anyone else’s home.”
When questioned by deputies, VanLuven allegedly said he had moved the doll to inspect an electrical outlet but did nothing else. When told there was a camera in the nursery, VanLuven allegedly made incriminating statements and apologized, the sheriff’s office said. VanLuven could spend up to two years in jail and be fined $2,000 if convicted of aggravated indecent exposure. The property crime carries a penalty of up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.
VanLuven’s bond conditions prohibit him from being alone in any residential property he doesn’t own and can have no contact with the victims. Also, a mental health evaluation is ordered.