Crime & Safety
Rochester, NY College Student Charged After Restroom Camera Found
ROCHESTER, NY — A 19 year old Rochester Institute of Technology student was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 20, after investigators linked him to an alleged hidden recording device discovered inside a residenc
By Erin Vale · 2026-10-20T20:14:34.331Z
ROCHESTER, NY — A 19 year old Rochester Institute of Technology student was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 20, after investigators linked him to an alleged hidden recording device discovered inside a residence hall restroom, authorities announced.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff 's Office, Avery E. Bird, 19, of Gloucester, Massachusetts, faces a felony unlawful surveillance charge following an investigation that began in September.
Authorities say the investigation remains active as detectives work to identify potential victims.
Hidden Recording Device Discovered in Campus Restroom The investigation began Friday, Sept. 18, when RIT Public Safety notified sheriff's deputies about a hidden recording device found inside a residence hall restroom.
Evidence technicians with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office collected the device while investigators began examining who allegedly installed it and whether individuals had been recorded without their knowledge.
Investigators determined the device had been placed inside the restroom Wednesday evening, Sept. 16.
Working alongside RIT Public Safety, detectives identified Bird as a suspect.
Student Faces Felony Unlawful Surveillance Charge Bird was arrested Tuesday and charged with unlawful surveillance in the second degree , a Class E felony under New York law.
Deputies transported him to the Monroe County Jail to await arraignment in CAP Court.
The sheriff's office has not disclosed how many individuals may have been recorded or whether additional charges are being considered.
Investigation Continues as Deputies Seek Victims Authorities say investigators are continuing efforts to identify everyone potentially affected by the alleged recording.
The announcement did not identify the specific residence hall or provide additional details about the recording device.
The case remains under investigation.
Bird is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.