Man Charged With Spying on 80-Year-Old Through Windows
A Long Branch man faces multiple charges after being arrested while peering through the windows of an 80-year-old woman’s home in West Long Branch, police announced Tuesday. Roberto Durand, 50, was taken into custody after a two-week investigation that began when the elderly victim noticed items in her backyard had been mysteriously moved.
Durand has been charged with trespassing, harassment, and invasion of privacy following his arrest, and detectives are now investigating whether there may be additional victims in surrounding communities, according to New Jersey 101.5.
Suspicious Activity Triggers Investigation
The investigation began when the elderly victim contacted West Long Branch police after becoming increasingly concerned about unusual disturbances on her property. The woman reported that over a period of approximately two weeks, she had noticed items in her backyard had been moved from their usual positions.
“Her attention to detail and willingness to report these seemingly minor disturbances proved crucial to this investigation,” said West Long Branch Police Chief James Carey. “Sometimes what appears to be a small thing can be an indicator of a more serious situation.”
After receiving the report, detectives began monitoring the property during various times of day, eventually establishing a pattern of suspicious activity that led to Durand’s arrest.
Caught in the Act
According to police reports, Durand was arrested on Monday evening when officers conducting surveillance observed him approaching the victim’s home on a bicycle. Investigators said he then proceeded to positions around the house where he could see through windows into the woman’s living areas.
“Our officers detained Mr. Durand while he was actively peering through a window of the residence,” Detective Sergeant Monica Parente explained. “The evidence suggests this was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of behavior targeting this victim.”
The investigation determined that Durand had been watching the elderly woman from various windows several times since April 24, with evidence suggesting multiple incidents over the two-week period.
Multiple Charges Filed
Following his arrest, Durand was charged with criminal trespassing for unlawfully entering the victim’s property, harassment for engaging in behavior intended to alarm or seriously annoy the victim, and invasion of privacy for peering into windows with the purpose of observing another person without their consent.
“These charges reflect the serious nature of this kind of behavior,” explained Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Maria Jenkins. “Privacy invasion cases are particularly concerning when they involve vulnerable individuals such as elderly residents.”
If convicted, Durand could face penalties including jail time, fines, and probation. He is currently being held at the Monmouth County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Seeking Additional Information
West Long Branch police have indicated that the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine if Durand may have engaged in similar behavior at other locations. Law enforcement officials are particularly concerned as Durand does not own a car but is known to travel throughout the area on a bicycle, potentially giving him access to a wide geographic range.
“We’re asking residents, particularly those in West Long Branch, Long Branch, and surrounding communities, to report any similar suspicious activity they may have noticed in recent weeks,” Chief Carey stated. “This could include finding items moved in yards, seeing bicycle tracks in unusual places, or noticing someone looking through windows.”
Police are encouraging anyone with information about Durand’s activities to contact the West Long Branch Police Department’s detective bureau directly.
Safety Recommendations
In light of this incident, local authorities are reminding residents, especially those living alone or elderly individuals, to remain vigilant about home security. Recommendations include ensuring proper lighting around the exterior of homes, keeping blinds or curtains closed during evening hours, and reporting any suspicious activity immediately.
“This case demonstrates the importance of community awareness and cooperation with law enforcement,” said Helen Martinez, director of a local senior citizens’ advocacy group. “We encourage seniors to trust their instincts when something seems out of place and to not hesitate to contact police with concerns.”
Police also recommend that residents consider security cameras or motion-sensor lighting as additional deterrents against privacy intrusions and other property crimes.
