4 years ago
Detectives from the 4th District have charged a photographer with hiding a video camera in a changing room of his studio.
On Aug. 28, at approximately 8:30 p.m. a 34-year-old woman from Frederick, Md., reported to police that she went to the suspect?s studio, called Models Choice Photography, to have her portrait done and was directed to the photographer?s office to have a private place to change her clothes.
While she was changing, she found a hidden camera that was on and had been recording her while she was undressing, police said.
The victim removed the camera disk. She had intended to take it with her, but dropped it in the studio. At approximately 9 p.m. that same night, the suspect sent an e-mail to the victim apologizing for the incident, according to police.
After a thorough investigation, the photographer, Joseph Portolano, age 57, of the 12600 block of English Orchard Court in Silver Spring, was arrested. He was charged with the misdemeanor offense of visual surveillance of a private area of an individual with prurient intent.
Detectives would like to hear from anyone who had photographs taken by Portolano and used the photographer?s office to change before a photography session; and feels that he/she may have been victimized by Portolano. Calls should be made to the 4th District Investigative Section at 240-773-5530.
Written By 9NEWS NOW
