Aiken, South Carolina: Shocking Verdict Against Hidden Camera Landlord
In a deeply unsettling case that has taken the small town of Aiken by storm, an Aiken County jury handed down a staggering $45 million in total damages against Rhett Riviere, a landlord who took the invasion of privacy to horrifying levels. This amount has been broken down into $27 million for actual damages and an additional $18 million in punitive damages, underscoring just how seriously the jury took the complaints of the plaintiffs, Gabriel and Heather Crespo.
The Disturbing Discovery
It all began when the Crespos rented a cozy cottage from Riviere back in 2001, unaware of the shocking reality that awaited them. Hidden cameras had been secretly installed throughout the property, capturing over 20,000 videos of unsuspecting renters over the span of two decades. This secretive recording came to light only recently, following an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which charged Riviere with voyeurism.
Jury’s Decision
After a week-long trial, the jury, consisting of seven women and five men, didn’t take long to deliberate. They spent less than 90 minutes deciding to impose an additional $10 million in punitive damages on Wednesday, following their earlier ruling of $27 million in actual damages.
State Judge Martha Rivers added another $8 million in damages, citing Riviere’s violations of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act. This brought the total financial responsibility to the Crespos to an eye-watering $45 million, a significant blow to Riviere, who was found to be responsible for nearly all of the damages.
A Life of Privilege
Rhett Riviere’s background complicates the narrative. With a mother who was a prominent property developer in Maryland and a successful equestrian in Aiken, Riviere seems to come from a life of privilege, where the rules of decency did not apply. The lead plaintiff attorney, Deborah Barbier, addressed this in court, saying Riviere had enjoyed “unchecked entitlement” throughout his life, emphasizing that “no one has told him no, no one has told him to stop.”
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Despite the overwhelming verdict against him, Riviere chose to testify during the trial but frequently invoked his rights to avoid answering questions. His legal team, including attorneys Joe McCulloch and Jim Griffin, voiced concerns about the fairness of the awarded damages, referring to them as “excessive” and indicating they exceed Riviere’s financial means. As the jury concluded their deliberations and Judge Rivers made her final decisions, Riviere’s lawyers are left pondering their next steps.
A Rallying Cry for Victims
The Crespos’ legal journey is not just a personal struggle but has also turned into a call to action for anyone who has faced similar violations. Barbier emphasized how brave the Crespos were to come forward with their story, shining a light on the misconduct that too often goes unpunished. “They have sent a very clear message that this misconduct will not be tolerated,” she stated triumphantly after the verdict.
Looking to the Future
The situation in Aiken serves as a stark reminder of the importance of privacy and consent in today’s world. As the dust begins to settle from this highly publicized case, community members and potential renters are left to wonder about their own safety and privacy. Stronger regulations may become necessary to ensure that such tragic invasions of privacy never occur again.
As Aiken continues processing this shocking case, it showcases the need for vigilance in rental agreements and an awareness of the potential dangers lurking behind closed doors. The Crespos’ courageous fight may pave the way for other victims to stand up and seek justice, reinforcing the notion that privacy is a right that deserves to be fiercely protected.
