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| Tempe Police Arrest Voyeurism Suspect After Backyard Surveillance Operation |
Tempe Police Arrest Man Accused of Peeping Into Homes, Believe More Victims May Exist
By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published July 1, 2026
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TEMPE, Ariz. — Tempe Police have arrested a 51-year-old man accused of repeatedly entering residential backyards and secretly watching women inside their homes, with investigators now working to determine whether additional victims may exist.
According to the Tempe Police Department, Michael DiBenedetto, 51, was arrested on Sunday, June 28, 2026, following an investigation involving Tempe detectives and the department's Criminal Apprehension and Surveillance Team (CAST).
Authorities say DiBenedetto faces two counts of burglary and two counts of voyeurism.
The investigation began after a Tempe resident reported a disturbing encounter on the night of June 18, when she noticed a man standing outside her bathroom window while she was showering.
According to police, the victim provided home surveillance footage that showed a man arriving in a blue-gray Rivian SUV, walking through an alley, climbing over a backyard fence, and leaving a short time later. Investigators also discovered surveillance video placing the same vehicle in the neighborhood on two additional occasions.
Using multiple investigative techniques, detectives identified the SUV and linked it to DiBenedetto. Court-authorized records and additional evidence allegedly placed him in the area during the reported incidents.
As the investigation continued, members of CAST began monitoring DiBenedetto's movements.
On the evening of June 28, detectives reportedly observed him enter the backyard of another residence near Parkway Boulevard. According to investigators, DiBenedetto removed his pants and engaged in lewd conduct while looking into a room occupied by a second woman who was undressing.
Officers arrested him without incident before any further crimes could occur.
"Being watched or recorded without your knowledge is a profound invasion of privacy," said Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy. "We're proud of the coordinated work by our detectives and CAST members that quickly led to this arrest, and we encourage anyone with similar experiences or information related to this case to contact investigators."
Police are urging residents to remain vigilant by securing doors and windows, using motion-activated lighting, and reporting suspicious activity immediately.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine whether there are additional victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tempe Police Department at 480-350-8311. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish speakers.
Police note that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: Tempe Police Department, sent directly to iSkyNews.com
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