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A California man is facing child pornography charges after his wife found a hidden camera inside their home and turned him into police – and it was not the first time a wife of his had handed him over to cops.
Ryan Rovito, 34, is accused of felony possession of child pornography and surreptitious recording and was taken into custody on March 16.
His current wife, Victoria Rovito, contacted the authorities after she found a hidden camera in their guest bathroom containing more than 900 sexual abuse images. She handed them and the hard drive over to the police.
Rovito’s first wife, whose name has not been disclosed but had filed for divorce in April 2019 first went to the police in 2018 after she discovered photos of ‘prepubescent juveniles’ on her then-husband’s computer, Redding PIO Sargent Rob Garnero told NBC News.
But, when new software was installed at the police department a computer glitch caused ‘some errors’ when it launched and he was not charged.
When police filed the current case against Rovito they discovered the 2018 case report made by Rovito’s first wife.
Ryan Rovito, 34, is accused of felony possession of child pornography and surreptitious recording and was taken into custody on March 16
A family photo taken in September 2022
The couple – Ryan and Victoria Rovito – smiling after enjoying a flight over Shasta Lake on November 29, 2021
A spokesperson with the Shasta County District Attorney’s office told the news outlet that the case got lost in a new software system and didn’t make it to the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office until November, a spokesperson for the District Attorney’s office said.
According to police, there was a three-year statute of limitations on the 2018 case, which had expired by the time the computer glitch was discovered.
But on Thursday the Shasta County DA’s office said the case falls under a 10-year limit.
‘We’re going to have to do some further investigation to review the case before we make any filing decisions,’ a spokesperson for the DA said.
Ryan’s lawyer Timothy Prentiss told the news outlet that his client maintains his innocence.
‘From his perspective, he’s ready to challenge these allegations, and we’d prefer to do that in the legal system,’ Prentiss said.
When asked about his clients 2018 allegations, Prentiss said he was not familiar with them, NBC reported.
Victoria, 33, who is seen smiling next to Ryan in a February 2022 photo before their wedding shares a baby daughter with him and has a young son from a previous relationship.
The mother of two said she had no idea about the 2018 allegations until police told her this month. She went to the National Guard to notify them since Ryan had served.
She told the news outlet that if officials would have prosecuted him in 2018, her family’s life might never have been ‘flipped upside down and shattered.’
‘I understand that mistakes happen, but these things cannot fall through the cracks,’ she said. ‘It could’ve been somebody’s life. It could’ve been multiple peoples’ lives.’
Another photo of the couple duing an outdoor expedition. Ryan Rovito’s next court date is scheduled for April 21
Ryan Rovito served on the National Guard
Victoria Rovito said she had no idea about the previous allegations about her husband until police told her this month
She said that she didn’t know about the previous allegations until police told her this month and that she has since shared them with the National Guard, with which she said Rovito has served.
Victoria said that before this happened her life appeared to be picture picture. But, when she she discovered the hidden camera her reaction was utter shock’
Ryan was arrested at a traffic stop on March 16. He posted the $25,000 bail, Garnero told NBC News.
The police spokesperson told NBC News that Ryan could also face up to a year in county jail on the surreptitious recording charge – a misdemeanor under California law.
But, said ‘that scenario is unlikely as Rovito does not have a criminal history.’
He said, if he is convicted, he could face 16 months to eight years in prison.
He added that he also be sentenced to probation and required to register as a sex offender for life instead of facing prison time.
His next scheduled court date is April 21, according to the PIO.
A GoFundMe has been set up by her friend Betsy to help the mother in need who ‘by doing what was right she ultimately is left with a lot of needs.’
‘My dear friend who’s facing one of the most challenging chapters in her story after discovering a hidden camera in her guest bathroom and turning over evidence to the police she’s now left in a world turned upside down,’ she wrote, in part.
‘Money raised from these donations will go to living expenses, and helping her get stable and on her feet. I’m attaching the news article below describing the details of the situation.
As a community both far and wide Im asking you to please rally around this incredible brave wife and mother.
Who’s done so much at her own expense to protect her children and anyone who may fall victim to this circumstance.
As of Saturday afternoon more than $6,700 has been raised towards their goal of $15,000.
Source: DailyMail UK
