MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A Miami Beach man was arrested Tuesday after he was caught secretly recording foreign students to whom he had rented a room in his apartment, authorities said.
According to an arrest report, the victims moved into the apartment at 1601 Euclid Ave. on Monday.
Police said the victims paid Winston Vargas, 45, in cash to rent a room in his apartment, which is connected to his room by a door.
Police said the victims discovered three portable clocks with hidden cameras inside with a video card the next day in the bathroom.
The victims called police and an officer confirmed that the clocks had hidden cameras inside.
The officer asked one victim to call the suspect. The woman called Vargas and said she wanted the rent money back because she was illegally captured on camera while taking a shower, the report said.
Police said Vargas agreed to return the money and was greeted by officers when he arrived home.
Police said Vargas spontaneously said that he would return the money if the victims did not prosecute him.
Police said Vargas denied putting the camera clocks in the bathroom, claiming that a man from England placed the cameras there.
When he was asked about the identity of the man from England, Vargas asked to speak to an attorney, the report said.
Vargas was arrested on a video voyeurism charge.