Bond reduction denied for alleged voyeur teacher
TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - Disgraced Bloomingdale High School teacher Mark Ackett wants out of jail. His attorney, Eddie Suarez asked a judge to reduce his client's bond.
"The purpose of bond is not to punish someone but rather to determine if Mr. Ackett possess a flight risk and he does not," argued Suarez.
Prosecutor Courtney Derry said Ackett's alleged victims - about 125 - wanted the judge to keep his bond high.
Many victims and their friends and families packed the gallery in the courtroom.
"Mr. Ackett had four cameras in the storage room where his students were undressing," explained Derry.
Ackett is accused of secretly recording his student undressing at school. Prosecutors say Ackett used a hidden camera and cell phone to do it.
A young victim, who we will call Mary, remembers a detective showing her the videos of herself.
"It was really hard and upsetting. I had my bra and underwear on but there was one video where I had my bra off and you saw it," said Mary.
Prosecutors say some of the recordings dated back to 2015. Ackett is also accused of having cameras set up inside his home.
"Mr. Ackett had cameras installed in the bathroom and den of his home," explained Derry.
After hearing from both sides, Hillsborough County Judge Laura Ward sided with prosecutors.
“I'm going to deny the bond reduction in both cases to eliminate the threat or harm if Mr. Ackett should get out," ruled Judge Ward.