A man has been arrested at Pennsylvania State University after allegedly recording women who were showering in a dorm on campus. Xinyu Li, 24, faces charges of criminal trespassing and invasion of privacy for viewing or photographing a person without consent. The incidents occurred in Hamilton Hall, where two female victims reported seeing a cellphone being used to record them while they were showering.
According to the criminal affidavit, the first victim noticed someone standing next to her shower stall while she was showering on the third floor of the dorm. She then saw a cellphone above the top of the stall and the person quickly fled the scene. A week later, the second victim reported a similar incident, with a cellphone poking out from under her stall. The suspect fled once again.
Surveillance cameras captured the suspect entering and leaving Hamilton Hall. In both instances, he was wearing distinctive clothing, including an argyle sweater and black, wire-rimmed glasses. The investigation also revealed that the suspect gained access to the building by piggybacking behind other students with lawful entry.
Following complaints from the victims, police located a truck matching the description of the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The truck was registered to a business called Comet Tech, Inc., which offers delivery, moving, and storage services for college students. Xinyu Li, the founder and president of the company, was identified as the suspect and subsequently arrested.
During questioning, Li admitted to recording the victims and deleting the videos. However, a search of his phone by a Penn State investigator revealed five videos of nude victims showering in Hamilton Hall. The videos were hidden within an application disguised as a calculator to avoid detection.
Penn State University emphasized its commitment to campus safety and expressed gratitude to the university police for identifying the suspect. The university spokesperson reminded the community to follow safety protocols and not allow unknown individuals access to residence halls.
The college concierge service, mindyKNOWS, played a crucial role in assisting out-of-town students and aiding in the arrest of the suspect. The service provides support and guidance for college students, ensuring their safety and well-being on campus.
In conclusion, the arrest of Xinyu Li at Pennsylvania State University highlights the importance of campus safety and the need for vigilance in protecting students. The incident serves as a reminder for universities to prioritize security measures and for students to remain cautious of their surroundings.
