Bothell man charged after filming customers in Kirkland Starbucks bathroom

A Bothell man was criminally charged after he allegedly hid a camera to film customers and staff inside a Kirkland Starbucks bathroom without their consent, King County prosecutors stated.

The investigation into the voyeurism began when the manager of a Kirkland Starbucks found a camera in a unisex bathroom under the sink, pointed at the toilet. Police were called to investigate and, after examining security camera footage from within the Starbucks, identified a man who entered the store at approximately 9 a.m., immediately went to the bathroom, then purchased a coffee and sat next to the bathroom while looking at his phone.

The suspect was wearing clothing consistent with the person seen placing the spy camera, according to court documents obtained by The Seattle Times. After reviewing the store’s purchase records and tracking credit card data, police identified the suspect, Ben Tsai.

Tsai, 44, a father from Bothell, was charged with first-degree voyeurism last week, according to court documents that revealed he admitted to filming people dozens of times. The unauthorized filming occurred beyond Starbucks, with similar incidents happening at Safeway, his home, and his place of work.

According to King County prosecutors, Tsai targeted transgender colleagues at work. The Seattle Times confirmed that his employer, Pokémon in Bellevue, no longer employs him. According to his LinkedIn profile, he was a director of engineering with Pokémon.

Police seized a hard drive and other equipment from his home.

Tsai pleaded not guilty Wednesday in King County Superior Court. His trial is set for March.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

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