San Diego

Registered Sex Offender Arrested for Taking Videos of Girl in Walmart Bathroom: SDSO

Deputies believe the man may have committed similar crimes across San Diego's East County

A registered sex offender has been arrested for allegedly taking cell phone video of a 10-year-old girl in a restroom, San Diego County Sheriff's deputies (SDSO) said. 

Robert Becker, 21, is facing attempted lewd and lascivious acts on a minor, annoying or molesting a child with a prior conviction and disorderly lewd contact charges. 

Deputies were first called to a Walmart at 13487 Camino Canada in unincorporated El Cajon on Wednesday, Aug. 17. 

The victim, 10, told deputies a man followed her into the women's restroom at the store. 

She told officials the man got into a stall next to her and used his cell phone camera to record her while making lewd comments. 

"The girl protested and batted away the phone and the man ran from the restroom and ran from the store," said Lt. Dan Brislin with the SDSO Family Protection Detail.

The suspect fled before deputies arrived. However, deputies were able to identify Becker as the suspect through the store's surveillance video. On Monday, detectives with the Sheriff's Family Protection Detail arrested Becker at his home in Alpine. 

In a statement, Walmart said: 

"There is nothing more important than the safety of our customers and associates every time they're in our stores. We've worked closely with local police through their initial investigation, and we'll continue assisting law enforcement as they move toward a conviction in this case."

Deputies believe Becker may have committed similar crimes in San Diego's East County; officials are urging any potential victims to come forward. 

"We found he had entered that restroom the day prior and spent some time in there as well, so we want to make sure there are no other victims out there," said Brislin.

Local residents said the incident horrified them.

"That's nasty, Oh my gosh," said Tina Emanuel. "These are just little girls, you know."

Local Joan Hall said it was good to know the incident occured so she could keep a careful eye out going forward. 

"It's good to know to keep an eye out for that sort of thing," Hall said. "I go in the restroom; I don't have children but I do see children go in by themselves. Gotta keep an eye on them."

Anyone who may have further information on the crime, or who may have been a victim, is asked to call (858) 974-2417. Those who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. You may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to a felony arrest.

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