Missouri man accused of setting up camera in ex’s Kentucky home

OAK GROVE, Ky. (FOX 56) — A Missouri man was charged on Wednesday after reportedly setting up a hidden camera in his ex’s Kentucky home.

The Oak Grove Police Department said officers were called on March 26 to a home on Arkansas Avenue where Courtney Baker said she found a camera hidden behind her headboard and bed.

An arrest citation noted that Baker and Manuel Alvarez, 34, had been in a relationship and had a kid together before breaking up. She said that Alvarez had access to her home cameras “several months back,” but she cut off his access after they broke up.

Baker told the police that Alvarez reportedly learned the passwords after she changed them, forcing her to change them again.

Alvarez came to do a job at an area Oak Grove Walmart, and Baker said she allowed their 7-year-old son to see Alvarez, according to the citation. Citing the need to travel back to Missouri and wanting to spend more time with his son, Alvarez was granted permission to stay the night at Baker’s home.

The police said that, according to Baker, it was then that he reportedly installed the camera without her consent, and she was afraid for her safety.

Authorities said Alvarez admitted to installing the camera, claiming there were problems with someone stealing, and he was trying to protect his family. He believed the camera was visible and not hidden. Alvarez told the police that he thought it was okay because they had previously lived together and he still had items at the home.

Records show that Alvarez was arrested and charged with installing an eavesdropping device.

Court documents noted that Alvarez was released ahead of his scheduled arraignment at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 28.