ONLY ON ABC-7: Alleged victim of ‘voyeurism,’ hurt, scared

A Las Cruces man is accused of hiding a small camera in his home and recording images of children under the age of 18.

Paul H. Ikard, 53, is charged with two fourth-degree felony counts of “Voyeurism of a Child Under the Age of 18,” and five misdemeanor counts of “Attempt to Commit Voyeurism.”

Las Cruces Police learned of the allegations on May 22, 2016.

On September 2015, Ikard allegedly sent a computer hard drive to a company in Ohio and asked if they could recover lost data. While recovering the data, the company allegedly found videos it believed to be child pornography and contacted the FBI.

Federal investigators “determined no federal charges could immediately be proven, however, there was a likelihood that state charges were possible,” Las Cruces Police said in a news release.

LCPD investigators obtained a warrant to examine the hard drive and allegedly recovered “videos of children,” police said.

Investigators obtained a warrant for Ikard’s home, where they allegedly located a video camera with a piece of Velcro attached to it as well as a vent in a bathroom “with a matching piece of Velcro.”

Police said evidence recovered from Ikard’s home indicates he placed the video camera in such a way to capture images of children in the bathroom.

A woman who claims she was a victim of Ikard’s alleged voyeurism spoke to ABC-7, saying she was shocked to hear about the allegations.

“I also felt hurt. I couldn’t believe that he would do this. I also couldn’t believe that it would happen to me.”

She tells ABC-7 she tries not think about the allegations, because it’s emotionally disturbing.

“I kind of feel scared to the point where I just start crying. “

She adds she’s always been a trusting person but feels differently.

“Whenever I go into a bathroom, I make sure to look around at my surroundings so I’m more cautious now.”

She asks any other victims to come forward.

“Speak out so he can get what he deserves.”

Ikard was charged with the crimes on March 4, 2017, and a criminal summons was issued for his appearance in court. Ikard has not been arrested, police said. He was ordered to appear in court April 3, 2017 at 8 am. He is out on a $2,000 secured bond.

Ikard cannot have any sort of contact with the victim and potential witnesses and he cannot leave Dona Ana County.