Suspect Faces 83 Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Restroom Peeping
Photo: Stock Image
Written By: Jim Emerson
WALNUT CREEK — A 54-year-old man faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly installing hidden cameras inside a public restroom. Steven J. Novelli, 54, a resident of Walnut Creek remains in custody in lieu of $1,120,000 bond.
Walnut Creek detectives detained and arrested Novelli August 25 on a Ramey Warrant.
Authorities booked Novelli at the Martinez Detention Facility. Presently, he remains behind bars at the West County Detention Facility located in Richmond.
On August 29, charges were filed against him for second-degree burglary, among other crimes.
He faces multiple charges for attempting to produce child pornography, eavesdropping, and unauthorized invasion of privacy. He is accused of committing a total of 83 crimes.
Walnut Creek police received assistance from the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It is comprised of detectives from multiple police agencies, county sheriff’s office and federal law enforcement.
Hidden cameras removed from inside a restroom at a downtown Starbucks coffee shop. Novelli allegedly installed cameras at least twice.
After identifying Novelli as the suspect, detectives executed a search warrant at his residence on August 10. They located and recovered digital evidence from inside his home.
The peeping investigation remains active. There may be additional victims who visited the Starbucks located at 1340 Main Street on June 4 or July 23. Anyone there those days between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. can contact WCPD detective Tyler Bertolozzi at tbertolozzi@walnutcreekpd.com.
