Pair charged with unlawful surveillance
WATERVLIET, N.Y. » Watervliet police arrested and charged James C. Hewitt, 30, of Watervliet, and Valarie N. Hewitt, 29, of Middleville, with four counts of unlawful surveillance and one count of misdemeanor e ndange r i ng the welfare of a child.
On July 12, 2019, Watervliet police began an investigation into the alleged unlawful surveillance of females of varying ages using the restroom facilities at the Price Chopper located at 515 19th St. in Watervliet. Through a lengthy and thorough investigation, police say multiple females of varying age ranges were videotaped while using the bathroom facilities without their knowledge or consent.
In addition, detectives say they learned of incidents where both suspects are accused of having unlawfully videotaped female victims inside the Great Escape Theme Park. Police added that the videos of the victims were taken using a concealed recording device that was concealed inside of a purse that had been placed at the base of bathroom stalls.
Detectives are working towards identifying multiple victims in this incident and are asking for assistance. If you were in the Watervliet Price Chopper or Great Escape Theme Park and used the bathroom facilities between July 2016 and July 2019 and you observed a suspicious purse inside or near your stall, or you believe you may have witnessed these events, you’re encouraged to contact the Watervliet Police Department Detectives at (518) 270-3837.
The Watervliet Police Department does not believe the suspects had any contact with the victims.