Rosenberg police say a 41-year-old man is behind bars after a hidden camera was allegedly discovered tucked into the ceiling of a restroom inside a First Street business complex, launching a criminal investigation into an attempted invasive visual recording.
Investigators say the case began when a woman reported a suspicious device in the restroom. Detectives secured a search warrant for the property and, during the search, officers say they located the concealed camera. Police then served an arrest warrant at the scene and took the suspect into custody. The man, identified in police records as Umair Ali, was taken to the Fort Bend County Jail and is being held on a $30,000 bond, according to FOX 26 Houston. Authorities say the investigation is still underway and that additional charges could be filed.
Where it happened
According to police, the restroom is located inside a commercial strip on First Street that houses a Pearson VUE testing site and several small businesses. Online listings tie the address to operations for IT System Works and NY Pizza & Gyro, among others.
What the law says
Under Texas law, secretly recording someone in a bathroom or changing area falls under the offense of invasive visual recording, outlined in Texas Penal Code §21.15, which is classified as a state-jail felony. A state-jail felony in Texas is punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and can carry a fine of up to $10,000 under Texas Penal Code §12.35. Prosecutors can layer on additional charges depending on what investigators say they uncover.
Police statement
“The Criminal Investigations Division did a phenomenal job bringing this case forward to an arrest,” Rosenberg Police Chief White said in a statement to FOX 26 Houston. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS or submit a tip online through Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers. Officials say they are not releasing any details about possible victims while the investigation is active.
Rosenberg detectives say they plan to update the public as the case develops. In the meantime, business owners and customers in the area are being urged to stay alert and report any suspicious devices or activity to law enforcement.
