ROCKVILLE, MD – A man accused of posing as a woman to secretly record women in gym locker rooms is being held without bond, following a court decision emphasizing community safety concerns. Chico Totty, 44, of Takoma Park, faces charges of peeping tom and visual surveillance of a private area. His defense attorney’s request for a less restrictive bond was denied by the judge, citing the nature of the offenses and additional pending charges in Prince George’s County.
Authorities became aware of Totty’s actions on October 10th when a woman at One Life Fitness in Germantown reported being recorded in the shower. Investigators later arrested Totty on October 9th at a Planet Fitness in White Oak, where he allegedly spent seven hours without exercising, using a wig to disguise himself and enter the women’s locker room.
The judge highlighted the potential danger posed by Totty’s actions, emphasizing the need for individuals to feel safe in gym environments. The decision to hold him without bond reflects the court’s stance on ensuring public safety until his trial, scheduled for December 15th in district court.
An interpreter was present in court to assist Totty, who speaks Lingala, the native language of the Congo. The defense noted that Totty resides with his wife and their two young children.