Philly jeweler accused of hiding bathroom cam

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA - August 28, 2008 - 52-year-old Ben Sorkin turned himself in Wednesday and is now free on $30,000 bail. Three of his former employees say he videotaped them when they used the bathroom in his store on Jeweler's Row in Center City. Sorkin says, he didn't do it.

"I think it wil all be taken care of," Sorkin said. "I give prayers to everyone involved and I just can't have any particular comments at this particular time."

Police say the women became suspicious last April when they noticed that Sorkin would push a button every time one of them went to the restroom. The women called police when they allegedly found a camera and some videotapes.

Detectives searched the store and Sorkin's home in the Northeast. Police say they found the bathroom camera in the store but did not find any other video taping gear at Sorkin's home.

He faces a preliminary hearing next month.

Other merchants on Jeweler's Row say they don't know much about Sorkin.

They wouldn't appear on camera, but tell Action News they're upset because they don't need any bad publicity just before the holiday shopping season.

Sorkin says he's holding his head high.

"I want to thank all of my friends and my family and my customers for their love and their support," Sorkin told Action News. As much as I would like to tell my side of the story, and eventually I will be able to, at the advice of my attorney there is nothing I can say at this particular time."

Sorkin's lawyer says he's had a sterling reputation on Jeweler's Row for 20 years and this is entirely out of character.

He says the real story will come out as the case goes to trial.


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