A former Mississippi teacher is headed to prison for 13 years, the longest voyeurism sentence ever secured in DeSoto County. Benjamin Kegerise was also given seven years of post-release supervision after his arrest last October, when police said he hid his cellphone in a bathroom trash can to film during a family event at his home. An affidavit indicated similar reported behavior dated back to January 2025.
The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office was direct about what the case does not involve. Prosecutors said none of the conduct occurred at the school and no students were involved. District Attorney Matthew Barton called the crimes “disgusting” and said those who commit them deserve severe punishment, adding that the record-setting sentence reflects his office’s commitment.
For Southwest Florida families, the story raises familiar concerns about hidden cameras and privacy in private spaces, from vacation rentals to guest bathrooms. Here on the Suncoast, where so many homes get shared and rented seasonally, knowing your surroundings and speaking up when something feels off goes a long way. Have you ever checked a rental or bathroom for hidden cameras? Share your routine in the comments.
