Myrtle Beach, S.C. — A 25-year-old Myrtle Beach man has been charged with peeping tom after investigators said he allegedly used a cellphone to record or photograph minors inside a Target dressing room, according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Michael Anthony Aber was arrested Thursday following an investigation into a reported privacy invasion at the Target store located at 1150 Seaboard St. in Myrtle Beach.
Police said the incident happened May 6 when officers responded to the store after a victim reported seeing a cellphone positioned underneath a dressing room partition while inside a fitting room.
According to investigators, the victim believed the device was being used to capture photos or video. The suspect fled the area after the victim yelled, police said.
Surveillance Video Helped Identify Suspect
Myrtle Beach police said officers obtained surveillance footage showing the suspect leaving the store following the incident.
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The next day, investigators said the suspect returned to the same Target location and was recognized by officers. Detectives later matched a previous booking photograph of Aber to surveillance images collected during the investigation.
Authorities said investigators established probable cause to charge Aber after determining he allegedly used a recording-capable device to invade the victims’ privacy in an area where privacy was reasonably expected.
Police confirmed both victims involved in the investigation were minors.
Key Points
• Myrtle Beach man charged with peeping tom after alleged dressing room recording incident
• Police say cellphone was allegedly used beneath Target fitting room partition
• Investigators confirmed both victims were minors
U.S. Marshals Assisted With Arrest
Aber was taken into custody Thursday by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Horry County Police Department, and the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
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Authorities have not released additional details about whether investigators recovered a cellphone or any alleged recordings connected to the case.
The charge announced by Myrtle Beach police remains an accusation, and Aber is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Investigation Remains Under Review
The Myrtle Beach Police Department has not indicated whether additional charges could follow as investigators continue reviewing evidence tied to the case.
The incident occurred at one of the city’s busiest retail shopping areas near Broadway at the Beach, drawing attention because the alleged victims were juveniles.
No court date or bond information was immediately released Thursday afternoon.
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