As reported in the April 2, 2012 edition of the Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly, a URI basketball player has been charged with two (2) counts of video voyeurism. It is alleged that he recorded consensual sexual encounters with two separate women and then posted those videos onto Facebook.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 11-64-2, video voyeurism is defined as, a person is guilty of video voyeurism when, for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or stimulation, such person:
(a) Uses, installs or permits the use or installation of an imaging device to capture, record, store or transmit visual images of the intimate areas of another person without that other person's knowledge and consent, and under circumstances in which that other person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(b) Intentionally, and with knowledge that the image was obtained in violation of subsection (a), disseminates, publishes, or sells such image of the captured representation of another person or persons depicted in the representation or reproduction, and who did not consent to the dissemination, publication or sale.
(2) A person is also guilty of video voyeurism when that person, for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or stimulation, looks into an occupied dwelling or other building by use of an imaging device that provides images of the interior of a dwelling.
The penalties if convicted of video voyeurism include imprisonment for not more than three (3) years in jail and/or fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5000). The video voyeurism statute was passed by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 2004. It is part of a growing trend of the crimes being committed through the use of technology and the Internet. In 2008, the General Assembly also passed additional bills prohibiting cyberstalking and cyberharassment.
If you or a family member has been charged with video voyeurism, cyberstalking, or other criminal offenses, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.