Man Hit with Five Counts of “Peeping Tom”

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man they say has been peeping into homes in a Waldorf community for more than two years. Barmas Andrew Benton, 43, of Waldorf has been charged with five counts of peeping tom.

Between March of 2005 and August 2007, the Sheriff’s Office received reports from citizens in Hampshire townhomes who observed a male suspect looking into windows. The townhomes were occupied by homeowners or guests when these incidents occurred and some of the occupants did not know they were being watched by the suspect. After an investigation, officers identified Benton as the suspect. He was released pending his court date.

“I hope the residents of the Hampshire townhomes will rest easier knowing we have arrested the person who has been intruding on their property and invading their privacy for so long,” said Sheriff Rex Coffey. “This kind of behavior will not be tolerated here. Our community’s safety is my top priority.”

Anyone with additional information regarding Benton’s activities in Hampshire is asked to contact Det. F. Tona at 301-609-6501 or 301-932-2222.