Introduction to the Investigation
A Chicago law firm has opened an investigation against the owner of an ice cream shop in suburban Addison accused of secretly recording customers, including minors, with a hidden bathroom camera. Romanucci & Blandin has opened a civil investigation against Steven Weisberg, 58, who was arrested Friday and charged with two counts of child pornography and two counts of unauthorized video recording.
Background of the Case
The law firm said it was representing multiple individuals who are concerned that their privacy or that of their loved ones was violated at the Flavor Frenzy ice cream shop at 48 W. Lake St. in Addison. “The audacity of this alleged video recording scheme is appalling, and we commend Addison police for their investigation,” attorney Antonio Romanucci said in a statement. “The premise that this ice cream shop attracted employees and customers from the community only to secretly violate their privacy is deeply troubling.
Details of the Alleged Crime
The Addison Police Department received an anonymous complaint this month about “suspicious activity” at the ice cream shop. After opening an investigation, an undercover officer found a fake electrical outlet in the shop’s bathroom with a small lens, according to the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office. After obtaining a warrant, detectives removed the fake outlet and found it contained a camera. Police said that Weisberg, the shop’s owner, had installed the camera a few years earlier and that he was able to access and save video footage from the camera on his laptop and cell phone.
Evidence Against the Owner
Authorities found videos in Weisberg’s phone of six people, at least three of whom were female employees at Flavor Frenzy who were using the shop’s bathroom. One of the videos included footage of a 16-year-old female employee trying on Flavor Frenzy T-shirts in the bathroom with her breasts exposed. Weisberg allegedly asked the girl to try on and model different T-shirts for the business, prosecutors said. Since his arrest, four additional minor female employees told police that Weisberg allegedly asked them to model T-shirts and told them to remove their bras so that there was no bra outline in the photos.
Legal Proceedings
Weisberg, of Buffalo Grove, was ordered held at a detection hearing Sunday. He was expected to appear in court Sept.15. The law firm representing the victims and their families is committed to seeking justice and holding Weisberg accountable for his actions. “We believe innocent children have been exploited inappropriately and negligently at this business. Our clients are distressed that they may have been violated by a predator without their knowledge or consent, and we will use every means possible to understand what went down at that shop and examine all paths to accountability,” said attorney Antonio Romanucci.
Conclusion
The case against Steven Weisberg, the owner of Flavor Frenzy ice cream shop, is a disturbing reminder of the importance of protecting the privacy and safety of individuals, especially minors. The alleged actions of Weisberg are a clear violation of trust and a breach of the responsibility that business owners have towards their employees and customers. As the investigation continues, it is essential that those affected receive the support and justice they deserve.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Steven Weisberg?
A: Weisberg has been charged with two counts of child pornography and two counts of unauthorized video recording.
Q: How did the investigation begin?
A: The investigation started with an anonymous complaint to the Addison Police Department about suspicious activity at the ice cream shop.
Q: What evidence was found against Weisberg?
A: Authorities found videos on Weisberg’s phone of female employees using the shop’s bathroom, including a 16-year-old girl trying on T-shirts with her breasts exposed.
Q: What is the next step in the legal proceedings?
A: Weisberg is expected to appear in court on Sept. 15.
Q: Who is representing the victims and their families?
A: The law firm Romanucci & Blandin is representing multiple individuals who are concerned that their privacy or that of their loved ones was violated at the Flavor Frenzy ice cream shop.
