News and Investigations

A 43-year old Winter Haven man is in the Polk County Jail after it was discovered that he surreptitiously photographed a nude 15-year old girl without her knowledge while she was in his bathroom.

Domingo Rivera Velez was arrested by PCSO detectives on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at his residence.  He was charged with Video Voyeurism (F2).

The photos were discovered by another person in the household, who noticed a photo of an unknown woman on his cell phone. When this person looked  at other saved images on another phone, a large number of images were discovered of the teenaged victim who had been visiting the home.

During an interview with detectives, Rivera Velez admitted that he took the photos using a digital watch left in the bathroom.

PCSO detectives obtained search warrants for the other phone and the residence. They subsequently discovered additional photos and videos that were taken in other bathrooms in other residences, as well as videos that were taken from floor-level at a Home Depot store. The target of the store videos were women in skirts and dresses. 

Rivera Velez told detectives that he is employed at the Home Depot store in south Lakeland.

“This investigation is ongoing. Our detectives have more people to speak with, and the seized electronic devices will be forensically searched for additional images and videos. If you have had suspicious encounters with Domingo Rivera Velez, contact our detectives at 863-298-6200, and let them know about it. He needs to be held accountable for his criminal conduct.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff