Police unsure how long camera was in Moe's in Milltown

• A digital camera was discovered in a restroom at Moe's Southwest Grill on Kirkwood Highway.
• Authorities are reviewing evidence and asking for the public's help in the investigation.
• The state police Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate the camera.

State police on Tuesday said they're not sure how long a small digital camera found in a Milltown restaurant women's restroom was in place or who was involved.

The discovery of the device at Moe's Southwest Grill in the 4700 block of Kirkwood Highway was made on March 19 and confirmed on Monday by police.

The device was found by a restaurant employee, who told police that the camera was "placed in such a position as to be able to capture images of women using a specific toilet in the bathroom," said Master Cpl. Jeffrey R. Hale of the Delaware State Police.

As to why information wasn't released immediately after the camera was found, Hale said police typically like to do a complete investigation before releasing more information in sensitive cases like this one.

"There is an substantial amount of digital evidence that needs to be reviewed first," Hale said, noting that investigators want to do a thorough review before releasing further details.

On Tuesday, patron Robin Murphy said she was horrified to learn of the hidden camera. She said she eats at the restaurant at least once a week with her 7-year-old daughter.

"It freaks me out that there could be pictures of my poor little girl and her heinie hanging out and some creeper is looking at her photo," she said.

The women's bathroom on Tuesday was open. It is a single-person unit with a lockable door, sink, toilet and trash can. A storage cabinet hangs above the toilet.

The men and women's bathrooms are located in the back of the restaurant near the employee exit and entrance to the kitchen.

Police have not disclosed exactly where in the bathroom the camera was located.

Calls to the restaurant seeking comment were not returned.  Karlie Lahm, a spokeswoman for Atlanta-based Moe's, said they're monitoring the investigation.

"Moe's Southwest Grill corporate is aware and has been in contact with the owner of this franchised location as the safety of our guests is our top priority," Lahm said in a statement. "It is our understanding that the franchise owner is fully cooperating with authorities and their investigation."

The news of the discovery didn't seem to be affecting business Tuesday, as the parking lot at the fast-casual restaurant was packed around lunchtime. A family and a few couples dotted the many tables inside the restaurant, and business continued as usual. The eatery, in the Midway Shopping Center at Kirkwood Highway and Limestone Road, is neighbored by other fast-food and sit-down restaurants, as well as a few stores.

After learning of the hidden camera, Murphy said she's worried about what photos may exist of her daughter and herself. She frequented the restaurant from January until mid-March, but she won't be going back any time soon, she said.

Murphy said the incident has made her feel victimized and rekindled memories of a rape. The News Journal generally does not identify victims of rape, but Murphy thought it was relevant to disclose.

"I've been attacked before, and it's always been my biggest fear that now that I have a daughter, I don't want it to happen to her," she said.

STORY: Camera discovered in restroom of Moe's restaurant

Others also have expressed outrage on social media over the discovery of the camera.

This isn't the first time that people have been caught hiding cameras in private bathrooms. Last March, a former University of Delaware doctoral candidate was sentenced to two years in prison for secretly recording hundreds of women in bathrooms at the school and in Newark. He was convicted of hiding cameras in at least 10 locations around the university and in Newark.

The state police Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate the camera, Hale said, and more information will be released in the future. At this point, Hale said specific details cannot be released.

Anyone with information can contact the Major Crimes Unit at Troop 2, Glasgow, at (302) 365-8567. Information also may be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333, at tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Contact Brittany Horn at (302) 324-2771 or bhorn@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @brittanyhorn.