A former McDonald’s worker at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets has been arrested for allegedly recording customers while using a restroom at the popular shopping center in Central Valley.
One of the victims reached out to News 12 with video showing him confronting the suspect during the incident and says he reached out to prevent it from happening again.
“What the {expletive} is wrong with you? You are recording me in the bathroom,” the victim is heard on the recording. “Let me see your phone!”
The suspect, who Woodbury police identify as 39-year-old Roque Sotelo-Martinez, of Newburgh, is heard on the recording responding, “Please man. I won’t do it again.”
Martinez was charged with felony unlawful surveillance.
Authorities say two men confronted the alleged Peeping Tom in December after they claimed to see Martinez recording them with his cellphone from above bathroom stalls in a restroom, not far from Market Hall.
News 12 has learned Martinez worked there at the McDonald’s as of February, when the victim said he took a picture of the suspect behind the register.
The fast-food restaurant’s owner, Bryan Colley, issued a statement saying, “These are very serious allegations, and this individual is no longer employed with my organization.”
Customers say the allegations are worrisome.
“It’s scary because I am a grandmother of eight. I’m sorry to hear that,” says Martha Valerino.
Woodbury police say the second victim took Martinez’s phone, left before they arrived and wasn’t identified. They say the phone hasn’t been found, either.
News 12 reached out to the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets but hasn’t heard back.
Martinez was released on an appearance ticket to return to the Town of Woodbury Court.