Extra charges filed against Daytona Beach personal trainer arrested for video voyeurism

A Personal Trainer Arrested Mid-Shift for Digital Voyeurism and Child Pornography

A 28-year-old personal trainer was arrested during his shift at a Gold’s Gym in Daytona Beach, Florida, after being accused of secretly recording his roommate for years and possessing child pornography. The incident has raised serious concerns about privacy, safety, and the legal consequences of such actions.

The investigation began when the suspect’s ex-girlfriend reported that Van Moorsel was sharing nude images and videos of their female roommate with others online. This led to a detailed probe by law enforcement, who eventually uncovered disturbing evidence of his illegal activities.

Body camera footage from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office shows deputies calmly questioning Van Moorsel before taking him into custody. During the encounter, one deputy instructed him to put his hands behind his back, asking, “For what?” The deputy responded, “Digital voyeurism.” This moment highlights the gravity of the situation and the seriousness of the charges against Van Moorsel.

According to the ex-girlfriend, Van Moorsel recorded their female roommate for two years. She discovered hidden cameras in a bathroom and another in a bedroom bookshelf. These findings were corroborated by investigators, who found evidence supporting her claims on Van Moorsel’s compromised phone.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood stated that Van Moorsel was filming the roommate when she was sleeping and when she was in the shower. Additionally, when his phone was seized, authorities discovered a significant amount of child pornography on it. This discovery added to the severity of the charges he now faces.

In addition to the recordings of his roommate, investigators also found numerous videos of women working out at Gold’s Gym in Daytona Beach, where Van Moorsel worked as a personal trainer. However, since these videos were taken in public areas, they do not violate the law. Still, the incident has had a profound impact on the gym and its community.

Van Moorsel has a history of legal issues. He was previously charged with sexual assault in Montana, touching a 13-year-old relative, and for watching a minor showering, according to deputies. Now, he is facing multiple charges, including:

• 40 counts of digital voyeurism
• 40 counts of unlawful use of a two-way communications device
• 30 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material

While still in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail, Van Moorsel was served on warrants from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office charging him with sexual battery, battery, video voyeurism, and unlawful use of a communication device. He is also facing alleged child pornography charges from VCSO following further examination of his devices.

Van Moorsel is being held in the Volusia County Branch Jail, where he has been since July 1, with no bond. His court appearance on Wednesday saw his bond set at $2.1 million, reflecting the severity of the charges against him.

Gold’s Gym Daytona Beach issued an official response, stating that they are a local, family-owned and operated business. After learning of the shocking charges against trainer David Lee Van Moorsel, they immediately terminated his employment and alerted security that he is banned from their property. While his alleged illegal actions do not involve the gym or its members, they go against the gym’s deeply held values as longstanding members of the Daytona Beach community.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of privacy and the potential consequences of violating it. It also underscores the need for vigilance in both personal and professional environments. As the legal process continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice and a resolution that ensures the safety of all individuals involved.