Police Seek More Victims After Mall Bathroom Arrest

Suffolk County Police are searching for potential additional victims after an 18-year-old Mastic Beach man was accused of secretly photographing a man inside a bathroom stall at Smith Haven Mall.

Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Antonio Masso to come forward as detectives investigate whether there could be other incidents.

Masso was arrested September 22nd following an incident inside a public restroom at the Lake Grove shopping mall at approximately 2:30 p.m., according to Suffolk County Police.

Police said a 42-year-old man was using a bathroom stall when he noticed a cellphone reaching over from the neighboring stall. Investigators allege Masso was using the phone to take photographs of the man.

The victim confronted Masso after the two exited the restroom, police said. A Smith Haven Mall security guard was alerted and contacted Suffolk County Police. Masso, 18, of Mastic Beach, was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree unlawful surveillance, a felony.

He was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.

Now, investigators are widening their search and asking members of the public to contact police if they believe they may have been similarly victimized by Masso. Police did not announce whether investigators have identified any additional alleged victims or whether they believe other incidents may have occurred at Smith Haven Mall or elsewhere.

The investigation is being handled by Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Masso is urged to contact Fourth Squad detectives at 631-854-8452.

The charge against Masso is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.