DA: Student hid camera in Villanova bathroom, also had child porn

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Thursday, October 27, 2016
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VILLANOVA, Pa. (WPVI) -- A Delaware County man is accused of hiding a camera in Villanova University bathrooms, taking 'upskirting' videos, and being in possession of child pornography.

Vincent Kane, 19, of the 100 block of Sterner Avenue in Broomall, surrendered to authorities on Wednesday, the district attorney's office said.

The investigation began on September 26 when a hidden cell phone camera was found recording in a Villanova bathroom.

Police say the phone also contained 'upskirting' videos from a CVS Pharmacy West Chester Pike in Broomall where he worked.

"He would place the phone underneath where the candy typically is stored, It's very hard to see, but the camera would be focused on ladies that were wearing skirts," D.A. Jack Whelan said.

Kane, who is a part-time student who lives off-campus, was approached by detectives and allegedly admitted to hiding the phone. He also allegedly told detectives he had been making these types of videos for about two years.

Authorities found that when Kane was a senior at Cardinal O'Hara he was zooming in with his camera on girls' gym shorts and underwear.

Police say a search of his home revealed a hard drive with 51,000 videos and images, include some recorded in a Villanova classroom and a local high school.

Further examination revealed images and videos of child pornography, detective said, with one video depicting a toddler being sexually assaulted.

Another 300 images appeared to be of a girl approximately 12 years old. In those photos, investigators say, Kane appeared to be trying to capture images from up her shorts.

"For his own sexual gratification, Vincent Kane surreptitiously recorded countless victims, including his fellow students, violating and breaching their personal security which can never be restored," Whelan said.

Kane has posted 10% of $50,000 bail.

Anyone with more information is asked to call Det. Edmond Pisani, 610-891-4112 or Villanova Police Chief David Tedjeske at 610-519-6984.