NH Man Accused of Installing Fake Video Camera in FL Bathroom

A New Hampshire man was arrested in Chicago on charges that he installed a video camera inside a family restroom at a city park in Florida.

Police in Sanibel, Florida, began an investigation after public works employees noticed what looked like a new fire alarm installed on the wall of the family restroom above a baby changing table at the Bowman’s Beach Park on July 28. Further investigation determined it was really a video camera.

Sanibel Police Chief William Dalton said his department's investigation identified Dana Alan Caruso, 58, as a suspect in the installation of the devices, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on several felony and misdemeanor charges. Caruso was arrested August 19 at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. He will be extradited back to Florida.

Dalton did not disclose details about the investigation, including why Caruso was in Florida and later Chicago or in what specific town in New Hampshire Caruso lives. The chief did say that Caruso may have installed cameras in other towns. Dalton and the U.S. Marshal's Office Public Affairs Office did not respond to Seacoast Current's request for more information on Sunday morning.

“The suspect was thought to be moving through various communities in Florida, and our detective was working through the leads quickly with the help of the State Attorney’s Office and the Lee County Sheriff. We had to stay focused on the investigation until he was apprehended," Dalton said.

Police are looking to talk with anyone who used that bathroom on July 28.

Dalton also praised the city worker who followed the age old advice of "see something, say something."

"In this case, the city’s public works employees saw something that was suspicious and reported their concern to the police. Without the City employees’ conscientious observations while servicing the restroom, the illegally-installed video surveillance camera could have gone undetected.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH