Westlake, Louisiana – A 42-year-old Westlake, Louisiana man was arrested on October 11, 2024, after confessing to recording minors and adults using the restroom without their consent. James Dean Alaniz was taken into custody by the Westlake Police Department and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on multiple charges, including Video Voyeurism, Video Voyeurism of a child under the age of 17 years, and Obstruction of Justice.
According to authorities, the investigation began on October 7, 2024, when a complaint was filed against Alaniz, alleging that he had recorded his two minor daughters while they were taking a bath. Further investigation by detectives revealed that Alaniz had also recorded several other minors and adults using the restroom.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Alaniz and set his bond at $1,800,000. According to Westlake Police, after being taken into custody, Alaniz waived his Miranda rights, which protect individuals from self-incrimination during police questioning. He then reportedly confessed to making the recordings and tampering with evidence by deleting the videos.
The Westlake Police Department is urging anyone who may have been a victim of Alaniz’s alleged crimes to come forward. Detectives believe that there may be additional victims and are seeking their cooperation in the ongoing investigation.
Lead investigator Detective Wright, assisted by Detective Stringer, Officer Matte, and Officer Montgomery, are working to identify and contact potential victims. The police department is asking anyone with information or concerns to contact them.
Video Voyeurism, also known as surreptitious video recording, is a crime that involves secretly recording individuals in private areas, such as restrooms or changing rooms, without their consent.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.