Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Charges Dropped Against Alleged DUMBO Upskirt Photog Because Victim Wouldn't Testify
By
John Del Signore
Published Oct 16, 2012
Modified Oct 16, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
John Del Signore
Published Oct 16, 2012
Modified Oct 16, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The case against the Queens man accused of taking upskirt video in the F train station in DUMBO has been dismissed and sealed. Sources in the Brooklyn DA's office told us that the case was dropped because the victim did not want to testify, and another person familiar with the incident says the victim was worried her name would appear in the press if she cooperated with prosecutors.
The alleged perpetrator was confronted by the victim and one witness who alerted her to what was happening as she climbed the steep subway steps one morning back in August. "I noticed he was holding his arm a bit outstretched, close to the woman in front of him walking up the stairs," the witness told us. "It seemed odd, so I watched the guy as we walked up the ramp. He passed the woman, then slowed again as we reached the next set of stairs, and let her pass him. That is when I confirmed that he was filming under her skirt." When the witness and the victim confronted the suspect in the subway, they say his cell phone camera was still running.
After we reported the incident, the NYPD put up wanted posters in the DUMBO F station and soon made an arrest, charging a 29-year-old graphic designer and musician with unlawful surveillance (a felony). The defendant's next court appearance was scheduled for November 13th, but this week the Brooklyn DA's office told us the charges had been dropped.
One New York City prosecutor, who would only speak on condition of anonymity, offers some insight about the challenges encountered with these kinds of cases: "Reporters frequently stalk our sex crime victims, talking to their doormen, neighbors, family members, etc.—a total invasion of privacy, whether or not the name appears in print. I know of several cases where witnesses or victims stopped cooperating because of this, including some who did not even want close family members to know they were the victim of sex crime."
We called the witness again after learning that the charges had been dropped, and she refused to answer any further questions, stating only that "she wanted to protect the victim."
Tagged
brooklyn
dumbo
unlawful surveillance
upskirt
original
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman spar over immigration, cost of living in debate
The Democratic incumbent repeatedly invoked President Donald Trump. The Republican challenger largely avoided bringing up New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 13, 2026 at 9:05 p.m. ET
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
Years of bus headaches start Thursday as Port Authority advances Midtown terminal work
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
and
Carol Chen
ICE admits to using Roxbury, NJ warehouse site to process immigrants
By
Mike Hayes
Dolan's offer: Donations to Blakeman for Knicks tickets
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .