Introduction to the Incident
ADDISON, Ill. (WGN) — More teenagers who worked at an Addison ice cream shop are coming forward after the owner was arrested for allegedly secretly recording multiple employees, including two minors, in the bathroom.
58-year-old Steven Weisberg, of Buffalo Grove, is charged with child pornography and unauthorized video recording. He was denied pre-trial release on Sunday.
The Experience of a Teen Employee
“It seemed like a fun job. I’m in high school. It was my first job, and it was an ice cream shop,” Raina Ashrafi said. “Who doesn’t want to work at an ice cream shop in the summer?” Ashrafi worked at Flavor Frenzy, located on West Lake Street, from March to Sept. 2024, when she was 16 years old. Addison police received an anonymous complaint about suspicious activity at the shop, so an undercover officer went to investigate and found an outlet in the bathroom with a small camera inside, police say. “I felt sick and gross and just like, I kind of felt dumb, I guess, because I don’t know how I didn’t know,” Ashrafi said.
Details of the Allegations
According to prosecutors, Weisberg allegedly saved the video footage on his laptop and cell phone. 11 videos were found in his possession of six different females, including three employees, in the bathroom. “I was around him so much. I worked a lot last summer, and oftentimes there’d just be us two. So, it’s kind of eerie to think about what else could have happened,” Ashrafi said. Ashrafi says Weisberg asked female employees to model Flavor Frenzy T-shirts for the ice cream shop’s website. “He would hand you a bag with a couple of T-shirts, a couple tank tops and then another bag that had two or three bras in it. And then he would tell you to go into the bathroom and put them on,” she said. “And it made sense what he was saying because he made it seem relatable. He was like, ‘I have a daughter, I know certain bras look better with certain shirts.’”
Reaction from the Community
Simon Touma, who manages the shopping complex Flavor Frenzy is in, says Weisberg owned the ice cream shop for five years. He was shocked. “I found out from the police everything, what was on his phone and his laptop. It’s sad. I feel sorry for his wife and daughter,” Touma said. Since Weisburg was arrested, prosecutors say four additional minor employees have come forward. “He’s a sick, sick man, and I feel bad for his entire orbit. He didn’t just ruin his own life and affect the lives of all these young girls, but his family’s, friends, neighbors. The impact is just massive, and I hope he doesn’t sleep well thinking about that,” Jennifer Ashrafi, Raina’s mom, said.
Call for Legislative Action
Attorney Antonio Romanucci is planning to propose legislation that would require all cameras sold in Illinois to have a red flashing light when recording. “We don’t need any spy cameras hidden in toilets and private bathrooms and electrical outlets so that young girls can be videographed,” he said. “Nobody needs that, and we want to stop that. That’s why I am going to now fight for this legislation.” Weisberg’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 15. Police are working to identify additional victims.
Conclusion
The incident at the Addison ice cream shop has raised concerns about privacy and safety, especially for minors in the workplace. The allegations against Steven Weisberg are severe and have sparked outrage in the community. As the case unfolds, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of such actions and the need for preventive measures to protect individuals from similar situations in the future.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Steven Weisberg?
A: Weisberg is charged with child pornography and unauthorized video recording.
Q: How many videos were found in Weisberg’s possession?
A: 11 videos of six different females, including three employees, in the bathroom.
Q: What is being proposed to prevent similar incidents in the future?
A: Legislation that would require all cameras sold in Illinois to have a red flashing light when recording.
Q: What is the next step in the case against Weisberg?
A: Weisberg’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 15, and police are working to identify additional victims.
