A former Miami-Dade Fire Rescue lieutenant has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of video voyeurism in connection with a hidden camera discovered inside a fire station bathroom in 2023.
Regular readers may recall our earlier post from April 6, 2023, where we reported that a covert recording device—disguised as a phone charger—was found in a bathroom at Station 69 in Doral. At that time, the identity of the person responsible was unknown, though the department confirmed it had launched an internal investigation and notified law enforcement.
According to CBS News Miami, 55-year-old Manuel Fernandez, who held the rank of lieutenant, was arrested on July 7, 2025, following a lengthy investigation by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Fernandez is accused of placing the device in bathrooms at two separate stations—Station 69 in Doral and Station 66 in Homestead—between February and April 2023.
Investigators recovered more than 600 video files, allegedly depicting 18 separate victims, both male and female firefighters. Surveillance review and forensic evidence reportedly tied Fernandez to the acts. He was identified as the only firefighter assigned to both stations during the relevant timeframe. One video reportedly showed a man adjusting the camera while wearing a watch identical to one worn by Fernandez.
The device was first discovered on April 1, 2023, after a firefighter at Station 69 recognized it as a covert camera disguised as a USB charger. Fernandez was placed on administrative leave shortly thereafter and later resigned from the department. He is currently being held on a $27,500 bond and faces 11 counts of video voyeurism. Further charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has stated that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement. The department has not released additional information regarding any administrative review or policy changes prompted by the incident.
