News Summary
Dean Faiola, an employee at Rhode Island College, has been charged with video voyeurism after a hidden camera was discovered in a restroom. The camera was found by a student worker, leading to Faiola’s arrest and suspension. Local police inspected public restrooms on campus but found no additional cameras. Faiola is under a no-contact order and has a court appearance scheduled. The case is under investigation by the Providence Police Department, and further charges may arise as inquiries continue.
Providence, Rhode Island – Dean Faiola, a 49-year-old employee at Rhode Island College, has been charged with video voyeurism after a hidden camera was discovered in a restroom within the college’s Donovan Dining Center. The alarming revelation comes after a student worker uncovered the camera last week, leading to Faiola’s arrest at his home on Tuesday and subsequent arraignment in Providence District Court.
Faiola serves as the assistant director of dining procurement and resources at Rhode Island College. Following the incident, the college administration suspended him without pay. In light of the discovery, local police conducted a thorough inspection of all public restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas on campus but reported no additional cameras were found. College officials have stated that they believe Faiola acted independently in this incident.
Upon his arrest, Faiola was released on personal recognizance and was subject to a no contact order with an unnamed individual associated with the case. A no trespassing order has also been imposed on him, barring him from returning to campus. The case is currently under investigation by the Providence Police Department, and authorities have indicated that further charges may be forthcoming as their inquiries progress.
The definition of video voyeurism under Rhode Island law specifies that it involves using devices to capture images of individuals in scenarios where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy without obtaining their consent. The crime is a serious offense that can lead to imprisonment for up to three years and/or fines up to $5,000.
Statistics show fluctuations in video voyeurism charges across Rhode Island in recent years, with a marked increase noted. Since the law banning such activities was enacted in 2004, approximately 90 individuals have faced prosecution for video voyeurism. This trend aligns with observations from industry professionals, like Michael Auletta, who operates a firm focusing on the detection of hidden cameras. He attributes the rise in incidents to advancements in technology, which have made hidden cameras more affordable and widely accessible.
In light of this incident at Rhode Island College, authorities and community leaders are urging individuals to remain vigilant regarding personal privacy. Public awareness campaigns stress the importance of reporting suspicious behavior and advocating for safety measures in environments where privacy is a concern. As technology continues to evolve, addressing issues related to security and individual privacy becomes increasingly critical.
The next critical date in this unfolding situation is Faiola’s upcoming court appearance, scheduled for May 28. The continuing investigation by Providence Police is expected to provide further insights into the incident and may result in additional legal repercussions.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10: Rhode Island College Employee Arrested
- NBC Boston: Rhode Island College Voyeurism Arrest
- ABC6: RIC Video Voyeurism Suspect
- Wikipedia: Voyeurism
- WPRI: Arrest Made After Hidden Camera Found
- Google Search: Video Voyeurism Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
