Edrie G. Vierya, a 40-year-old man, has been placed behind bars on charges of invasive visual recording in a bathroom after an incident last year at Houston's Bad Astronaut Brewery. As per FOX 26 Houston, Vierya is accused of sneaking into the women's restroom on July 22, 2024, and trying to film a woman by sliding his phone under a stall door. The victim, Drusilla Bilton, told the publication that she screamed and attempted to chase the assailant after noticing the recording attempt.
Following the incident, Bad Astronaut Brewery staff acted quickly to identify and report Vierya to the authorities. Tiare Austin, the bar manager, noted that they managed to find his name on his tab, then handed over this information and security video evidence to the police within a day. The sense of urgency was clear as Austin and her team strove to get the word out to other businesses, thereby preventing similar incidents, Austin stated in an interview with FOX 26 Houston.
Vierya, who has been in the Houston area for nine years and is married, was arrested on Tuesday, after a year-long investigation, during which Houston Police continuously worked to build a viable case. As reported by ABC 13, an immigration hold was also placed on Vierya because of an immigration violation, given that he is a Mexican national. He is currently held on a $15,000 bond.
Drusilla Bilton expressed hope that her courage in speaking out inspires others who have faced similar violations to do the same. She is quoted by ABC 13 saying, "People are afraid and ashamed, but there is no shame in this." Bilton also remarked that the experience has made her more cautious in public restrooms, echoing a sentiment of distrusting the safety of seemingly private spaces.
