19-274 Detectives Arrest Man For Video Voyeurism In Palm Harbor

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery & Homicide Unit

Joshua Michael Riffel (Arrested)
DOB: 5/30/1991
Address: Palm Harbor, FL
Charges: Two counts of Video Voyeurism

Victim 1: 18-year-old female. Victim has requested to remain confidential under Amendment 6. No further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

Victim 2: 58-year-old female. Victim has requested to remain confidential under Amendment 6. No further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery & Homicide Unit have arrested a man for Video Voyeurism in Palm Harbor.

When:
Deputies were notified on Wednesday, October 23, 2019.

The suspect was arrested at about 12:58 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

Where:
The incident occurred at a residence in Palm Harbor.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery & Homicide Unit have arrested a man for Video Voyeurism in Palm Harbor.

According to detectives, their investigation began on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, after the 58-year-old female victim called deputies when she found a hidden video camera in the bathroom of her residence.

Detectives say the woman was in her bathroom when she found a suspicious USB charging hub in the room. The victim did not recognize the device and showed the hub to a friend who identified it as a hidden camera.

The victim reviewed the files on the camera’s micro SD card and located multiple videos of her and her 18-year-old daughter nude while undressing and showering in the bathroom.

Detectives say the victim also found videos of the suspect, 28-year-old Joshua Riffel, installing and adjusting the angle of the hidden camera. One of the videos on the SD card showed Riffel masturbating in the shower.

Detectives say Riffel is a tenant who resides at the victim’s residence.

Detectives made contact with Riffel at his place of employment, Crabby’s Bar and Grill located at 333 S. Gulfview Avenue in Clearwater.

Riffel admitted to detectives he installed the hidden camera to obtain nude videos of the victims.

Detectives arrested Riffel and transported him to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Riffel was charged with two counts of Video Voyeurism.

The investigation continues.