Pembroke Pines martial arts instructor arrested for allegedly placing hidden cameras in bathroom

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Broward County Police have arrested a martial arts instructor after receiving reports of hidden cameras placed in his academy’s washroom.

Pembroke Pines police said Robert Franco, 64, was arrested on Friday.

Investigators said a 17-year-old Franco’s student noticed two cameras hidden inside photo frames on a shelf in the bathroom at her company, Master Franco’s Taekwondo Academy, located at 11090 Pines Boulevard.

The incident in question took place on July 29 at approximately 3:40 p.m.

The student took photos of the hidden cameras and then confronted Franco, who police say immediately destroyed the frames and cameras.

Police said the student called her father and told him what had happened, and he quickly came to the academy and called 911.

The authorities arrived and began their investigation. A few days later, an arrest warrant was issued against Franco. He went to Broward County Jail on Friday.

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Investigators search a seized phone and computer. Police said the content they had obtained so far included children and adults.

Authorities believe cameras have been in the toilet since March of this year, when Franco took over the academy.

According to police, Franco gave an explanation for the cameras, but officers said that explanation was unreasonable.

Pembroke Pines Police are asking anyone who attended or visited, or whose children attended or visited, Master Franco’s Taekwondo Academy and used the washroom to contact the Special Victims Unit at 954-743-1637.

“The Pembroke Pines Police Department fully expects more casualties to come forward,” said Captain Adam Feiner of Pembroke Pines PD. “We have not yet identified them and need the help of the communities to do so.

Franco faces several accusations of video voyeurism. He was also charged with tampering with or fabricating material evidence.