Former restaurant employee waives privacy invasion charges
A native of Guatemala who was working for a restaurant at Trinity Point in South Strabane Township last month waived his case to court after he was accused of videotaping a woman using the restroom at the business.
Eliber Marcos-Espinoza, 23, of Washington, waived two counts each of invasion of privacy and disorderly conduct Tuesday in a proceeding before District Judge Jay Weller.
The customer at Plaza Azteca had gone into a stall in the women’s restroom July 18. She noticed what was a hand, arm and cellphone below the partition and believed it was being used to take photographs or video of her. She also noticed a mop in the restroom.
Marcos-Espinoza reportedly admitted he had been in the restroom at the same time as the woman. He also allowed police to look at his cellphone. Police saw a video consistent with the time of the incident and what the woman had been wearing. He reportedly admitted to making the video but could not explain why he did it. Police found a second video on the cellphone that appeared to have been taken a few weeks before the July incident.
Communicating through an interpreter, Weller asked Marcos-Espinoza if he understood why he was in the courtroom and the charges he faced.
“You are charged with a crime for which you could be imprisoned for, if found guilty,” Weller said, adding he understood a plea agreement had been reached.
Deputy District Attorney Leslie Ridge said Marcos-Espinoza will plead guilty in Washington County Court on a charge of invasion of privacy. He is scheduled for an Oct.10 fast track hearing. The 23-year-old will also be required to register under Megan’s Law.
Weller told the 23-year-old that once he is released from Washington County jail, he will probably be deported to his home country. Kristin Fiori, the assistant public defender representing Marcos-Espinoza, said there is an immigration detainer on him. He is currently in jail on $10,000 bond.