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McLean Today
By the People, for the People
McLean County man accused of hidden camera released before trial
Joey Aquino must abide by conditions including no contact with alleged victim and electronic monitoring.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:51am
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A hidden camera lens, the focus of a disturbing privacy violation, starkly illuminated to expose the gritty reality of this alleged crime.McLean TodayA 26-year-old man from Normal, Illinois named Joey Aquino has been released from the McLean County Jail before his trial, despite being accused of hiding a camera in his neighbor's bedroom closet and illegally videotaping her. Aquino allegedly confessed to installing the camera to watch the woman, entering her apartment multiple times to readjust and charge the camera, and stealing one of her pairs of underwear.
Why it matters
This case highlights concerns about privacy violations and the potential abuse of trust, as Aquino allegedly exploited his access to the victim's home to install hidden surveillance equipment. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether certain conditions should be imposed to protect victims in cases involving alleged stalking or voyeurism.
The details
According to court documents, the woman gave Aquino and his wife keys to her apartment to care for it while she was on vacation. On March 26, the woman called the Normal Police claiming she found a hidden camera in her closet. Aquino later reportedly confessed to installing the camera to watch the woman, entering the apartment multiple times to readjust and charge the camera, and stealing one of her pairs of black underwear, which police found in his backpack. Prosecutors have filed eight felony counts against Aquino, including residential burglary, stalking, eavesdropping, and unlawful videotaping in a residence.
- On March 26, the woman called the Normal Police claiming she found the hidden camera.
- On Saturday, prosecutors filed eight felony counts against Aquino.
- On Monday, a judge denied the state's motion to keep Aquino jailed before trial and set several conditions for his release, including electronic monitoring and a prohibition on contacting the alleged victim or entering her apartment building.
- Aquino's arraignment is scheduled for April 24.
The players
Joey Aquino
A 26-year-old man from Normal, Illinois who has been accused of hiding a camera in his neighbor's bedroom closet and illegally videotaping her.
Normal Police
The law enforcement agency that investigated the allegations against Aquino and arrested him.
McLean County Associate Judge Amy McFarland
The judge who denied the state's motion to keep Aquino jailed before trial and set conditions for his release, including electronic monitoring and a prohibition on contacting the alleged victim or entering her apartment building.
What’s next
Aquino's arraignment is scheduled for April 24, where he will formally be charged and enter a plea. The judge will also determine if he will remain free on bail or be held in custody until his trial.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of respecting personal privacy and the sanctity of one's home, even when entrusted with access. It also raises questions about the appropriate bail and monitoring conditions for alleged perpetrators of stalking and voyeurism crimes to protect victims and the public.
