Sherman Oaks restaurant owner arrested, accused of putting camera in women's restroom

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. (FOX 11/CNS) - A Sherman Oaks restaurant owner who allegedly placed video cameras in the women's restroom at the eatery was free on bail Wednesday, and police were searching for other women who may have been victimized.

Bahram Javaherian, 65, was arrested around 8:45 a.m. Tuesday at Cucina Bene, 4511 Sepulveda Blvd., according to Los Angeles police Officer Liliana Preciado.

Officers served a search warrant at the restaurant and Javaherian's home and found videos showing children and adults using the bathroom at the Italian restaurant, police said. Javaherian was booked on suspicion of possessing child pornography, Preciado said.

According to jail records, bail was set at $20,000, but Javaherian posted bond and was released early Wednesday. A court date was tentatively set for June 2.

Javaherian has co-owned the restaurant for 11 years and allegedly told police he put the cameras in the bathroom about seven months ago, the Los Angeles Times reported. The investigation began after an employee found one of the cameras and turned it over to police, according to The Times.

Anyone with information about additional possible victims was asked to call detectives at LAPD's Van Nuys Division at (818) 374-0040 or the LAPD's 24- hour tipline at (877) 527-3247.

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