WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A 55-year-old Fuquay-Varina man who was previously indicted on nine felony secret peeping charges is now facing three additional felony counts stemming from similar allegations, according to Wake County court records.
Thomas Jay Elwell, 55, was initially indicted by a Wake County grand jury in May on nine counts of felony secret peeping. Prosecutors allege the charges stem from an incident on April 2, 2024, at a residence on County Mill Way in Fuquay-Varina.
According to the indictment, Elwell allegedly “secretly installed and used a video recording device” inside the home’s master bedroom to capture images of another person without that person’s consent for the purpose of sexual gratification.
Three new felony charges filed
Court records show Elwell now faces three additional felony secret peeping charges.
An arrest warrant issued Aug. 3 alleges Elwell again secretly installed and used a recording device inside the master bedroom of the same County Mill Way residence on or about March 29, 2025.
The new charges allege the device was intended to capture images of another person without that individual’s knowledge or consent.
The Fuquay-Varina Police Department is listed as the investigating agency.
With the additional charges, Elwell now faces a total of 12 felony secret peeping counts between the original indictment and the newly filed allegations.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the investigation or identified the alleged victim.
All charges are allegations, and Elwell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Thomas Jay Elwell, 55, now faces 12 felony secret peeping charges in Wake County.
- Prosecutors allege he secretly installed recording devices inside the master bedroom of a Fuquay-Varina residence.
- Three new felony charges were filed following an Aug. 3 arrest warrant.
FAQ
Who is charged?
Thomas Jay Elwell, 55, of Fuquay-Varina.
How many charges does he face?
Twelve felony secret peeping charges.
Where did the alleged incidents occur?
At a residence on County Mill Way in Fuquay-Varina.
Who investigated the case?
The Fuquay-Varina Police Department.
Has Elwell been convicted?
No. The charges remain pending, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Source: Wake County court records, Fuquay-Varina Police Department