Two brothers accused of video voyeurism
NORTH SMITHFIELD - Twin brothers Mikhail and anil Randall were arrested on video voyeurism charges Friday after police caught one of them stalking a power line easement with a camera, hunting for photographs of abutters in moments of privacy.
The Randalls, both 20, were arrested after police discovered Mikhail in the woods off Iron Mine Hill Road with a camera that contained incriminating photos. Police said his brother was arrested later and admitted helping him take the pictures and videos.
The investigation began about 7 Friday night, after a neighbor called police to report an unoccupied Chevy pickup near the utility easement. The caller thought the operator was hunting for game animals.
On arrival, officers noticed a young man emerge from the woods with a camera and began questioning him.
The man, who identified himself as Mikhail 5andall, freely told the officers that “he was going up and down the power lines,” particularly in the area of Sayles ill 5oad and 5ue de St. Jude, “looking to find individuals in their homes that he could take pictures or videos of.” 5andall allegedly revealed that “he looks for individuals
who may be undressed, in their underwear or engaged in sexual activity,” the police said.
A search of Randall’s camera yielded several videos and images of individuals captured by Randall while the subjects were inside their homes.
In addition, police said, Randall’s camera held videos and photographs of young women engaged in sports-related activities at Deerfield Park in neighboring Smithfield.
After the encounter near the power lines, detectives seized numerous digital storage devices and computers from Randall’s residence. Officers also interviewed his brother, who allegedly participated in taking the photographs.
Under state law, video voyeurism is a felony punishable by up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.
According to the judiciary’s web site, neither of the Randalls has ever been arrested before.
After preliminary appearances in Sixth District Court, both of the Randalls are free on personal recognizance pending further court action.
Police say the investigation remains active and they’re urging anyone with helpful information to contact Detective Nelson or Detective Donovan at 7621212.