Olivia Barone
Editor in Chief
Rhode Island College’s Assistant Director of Dining Procurement and Resources, Dean Faiola, was arrested in his home on Tuesday after a swift investigation by the Providence Police Department (PPD) regarding a hidden camera found in a RIC public restroom.
The arrest followed a report by an anonymous student to Rhode Island College Campus Police (RICPD) this past Thursday of a camera hidden in a Donovan Dining Hall bathroom. Faiola was a familiar face on campus, having been a part of RIC staff since 2015.
Shortly after the report, a video taken on an iPhone was posted on the RIC 2027 Snapchat story revealing a camera tucked behind a ceiling sprinkler in a single-stall restroom on the upper-level of Don. The video began circulating immediately, rousing anxiety among students. According to WPRI Target 12, the camera was removed from the restroom within a half hour of the report. That afternoon, campus received a subsequent email from RICPD Deputy, Richard Silva, notifying the community of the situation.
Faiola received immediate suspension from his position and a no-trespass order from RICPD, barring him from campus. According to PPD, the former Assistant Director will be charged with one felony count of video voyeurism.
The investigation was underway immediately after the report, with both RICPD and PPD subsequently sweeping every public restroom on campus including classroom, office, dining and dorm buildings with no additional cameras found.
In an email sent out to all RIC students and staff last night providing the campus with a final update on the situation, RIC President Jack Warner reminded the community that “the safety of our campus community is our top priority. Please remember, if you see something, say something.”
To report concerns to RICPD, call (401)456-888 where officers are on call 24/7.
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