A husband and wife are accused of secretly recording customers in the women’s restrooms in Watervliet.

The charges include unlawful surveillance, possessing sexual performance by a child, and promoting a sexual performance by a child, in two separate jurisdictions. 

From July 2017 to July 2019, Watervliet Police say James Hewitt, 30, and 29-year-old Valerie Hewitt, unlawfully filmed individuals in the women’s bathroom at the Price Chopper on 19th Street. 

Valerie faces two counts of dissemination of an unlawful surveillance.

“These women and children were sadly taken advantage of due what was supposed to be their most private time,” said Anthony Geraci, Watervliet Police chief.

Geraci says during that two year span, 30 girls and women were filmed ranging from four years old to 58. The pair are accused of hiding a small recording device in a purse and then placing it at the base of bathroom stalls.

Geraci says police learned about this in July.

“That day, we executed a search warrant and recovered the recording devices from the defendants,” Geraci said.

The Hewitts were arrested and arraigned in city court on Tuesday and released on bond. Wednesday morning, the Warren County Sheriff's Office received indictment warrants for the two in their jurisdiction.

Authorities there believe the pair committed similar crimes at the Great Escape.

“This is a pretty disturbing case. The outcome here is troubling to a lot of seasoned officers,” said Lt. Steven Stockdale, Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

James was taken into custody again Wednesday and arraigned in Warren County Court. He pled not guilty and bail was set at $25,000 cash and $75,000 bond.

Valarie was also arrested, again, and was arraigned in Warren County on Thursday.

“We only have two victims we’re aware of right now, but continue to collaborate if we end up finding more,” Stockdale said.

In a statement from Price Chopper, the supermarket says they were obviously horrified to discovered this. They say they immediately notified police and are working with them.

The Great Escape also released a statement saying they have zero tolerance for any inappropriate behavior and are cooperating fully in this investigation.

Police say since they have only identified four of the 30 victims, they are asking anyone who may have used that women’s bathroom to come forward.