Tempe police say a 51-year-old man spent days sneaking around neighborhood homes, secretly watching and recording women, before officers finally took him into custody Sunday night. Detectives allege the incidents include at least one backyard encounter near Parkway Boulevard. Michael DiBenedetto was arrested and booked on two counts of burglary and two counts of voyeurism, and investigators say they believe there could be additional victims. The case started after a resident reported seeing a man outside her bathroom window while she was showering on Thursday.
According to detectives, surveillance footage and doorbell-camera video appear to show a person arriving in a blue-gray Rivian SUV, walking through an alley, then climbing a fence into a backyard. Investigators say they later linked that vehicle to DiBenedetto using court-authorized records and other investigative tools. "Being watched or recorded without your knowledge is a profound invasion of privacy," Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy said, while praising the work of the department's Criminal Apprehension and Surveillance Team. Those details are reported by AZFamily.
How detectives say they tracked him
Police say that after Thursday's initial report, detectives set up surveillance and watched behavior they describe as predatory. By Sunday evening, officers were monitoring a backyard near Parkway Boulevard when they say they saw the suspect enter the yard, remove his pants and engage in lewd conduct while looking into a room where a woman was undressing. Officers moved in and arrested him without incident, according to ABC15.
Police urge vigilance, offer reporting options
Tempe police are urging residents in the area, and across the city, to lock doors and windows, install or use motion-activated lighting where possible and report suspicious activity right away instead of shrugging it off. The department's website lists its non-emergency number and online reporting options. For non-emergencies, residents can call 480-350-8311, the city notes at Tempe.gov.
Charges and court status
DiBenedetto was booked into the Tempe City Jail on two counts of burglary and two counts of voyeurism. He appeared in court on Monday, where, according to reporters in the courtroom, he told the judge that he is an attorney. The judge set his bond at $25,000, according to reporting by AZFamily. Prosecutors have not announced any additional charges while detectives continue looking into possible other victims.
Neighbors worried, investigators ask for tips
Detectives say cases like this are often underreported, since many people are unsure whether what they saw or heard is worth calling in. Now they are asking residents to review any doorbell or home security camera footage for suspicious activity that might be connected. Anyone with information can call Tempe Police at 480-350-8311 or submit anonymous tips to Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446), as reported by ABC15.
Other local outlets have also detailed the arrest and the neighborhood reaction. KTAR reported on the investigation and the department's call for more information. Investigators say the probe remains active, while residents in the affected blocks try to come to terms with the violation of privacy and look to increased patrols for a bit of peace of mind.
