FILE – The TikTok logo on a smartphone. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)
TikTok strikes again!
Lately, the social media platform has been a wealth of knowledge and entertainment since its inception. Now, it has put a stop to dangerous activity.
Police in Norristown, Pennsylvania have arrested 37-year-old dance teacher Francis Gerarn Laurenzi who they say spied on students using a hidden camera, 6ABC reported.
According to 6ABC, the disgraced teacher is charged with invasion of privacy and using instruments of crime, where he is accused of using a hidden camera to record women in the bathroom of an unlicensed dance studio.
Authorities say Laurenzi has been operating the studio, Frankie G Dance, in the basement of 1705 Kendrick Lane.
But thanks to a woman whom officers are praising as courageous, for spotting the hidden camera disguised as a cellphone charging block, Laurenzi’s seemingly nefarious agenda has been foiled.
So, what did the woman do exactly? She simply watched a TikTok video.
According to police, the victim had seen a TikTok video warning women to look out for exactly what she had encountered.
According to 6ABC, the victim found the camera while attending a private dance lesson and it happened while she was changing into clothes provided by Laurenzi. After spotting the hidden camera, she removed the data cord from the camera and went straight to the police.
In total, police found 146 video files dating back to 2020 where they believe there are at least 20 victims, the news outlet reported.
“This is the second case of this magnitude we’ve investigated in Norristown. It’s a serious invasion of privacy. What we need to do more is protect the victims, get them identified and ensure this individual is held responsible for what he’s done,” Detective James Angelucci said.
According to 6ABC, Laurenzi was being held on $100,000 but has since been released. Police said more charges are expected.
All in all, make no mistake. TikTok may be on its way as becoming the new Google.
Read more via 6ABC.
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