WESTLAKE, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) – Security cameras are typically installed to deter crime.
However, an Ohio woman said she became a stalking victim after she had cameras installed.
According to the Westlake Police Department, they received a call from the woman, who is a business building property manager, on Dec. 16, 2024.
Police said the woman told them about the “alarming” messages sent to her business cell phone.
The suspect sent the victim sexually explicit text messages and videos, knew her name, and sometimes referenced what she was wearing that day, according to authorities.
Police also said the suspect said he would be sending the woman a gift. They did not say what the gift was.
Officers reportedly took the stalking report and investigated the phone numbers the message came from.
The victim said she suspected the suspect was the man who installed the security cameras in the building.
“It’s scary to receive these types of things, especially when they’re a little bit threatening and indicate that they could see her,” Capt. Jerry Vogel said.
Police traced the numbers back to 57-year-old Robert S. Hocevar and identified him as a suspect.
They also determined Hocevar owned a security company that installed surveillance cameras and alarms in Northeast Ohio.
Vogel said Hocevar had also been charged by police for similarly harassing a bartender.
“Again, his company installed the security cameras at that establishment and then he started to harass her from various phone numbers,” Vogel said.
On top of a history of telecommunications harassment dating back to the 1980s, police said Hocevar had also been convicted of aggravated robbery, attempted murder and menacing by stalking.
Officials believe Hocevar may have more victims in the Northeast Ohio area.
Investigators are urging customers of Hocevar or his company to call them if they have experienced any incidents of harassment.
The Westlake Police Department can be contacted at 440-871-3311.
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