Serial Peeper Lincoln Moreno Could Finally Do Hard Time

HOUSTON - A mother confronts the serial peeping tom who has been preying on Houston women and children for decades. On Thursday Lincoln Moreno, 59, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor trespassing and was sentenced to the maximum 180 days in jail.

Victim Speaks to Convicted

Tracey Gabel spoke to him in the courtroom following the sentencing. In October she and her four-year-old daughter saw Moreno peeping under their stall at a popular Meyerland restaurant.

"I pray for the day when I can go to a restroom and not have fear, a day when I can close my eyes and not see your face laying on the floor staring back at us, and a day when I know our community is safe from you and your deviant ways," Gabel said to Moreno as he looked down.

A Rap Sheet a Mile Long

Moreno's background includes a long list of trespassing charges that have come as a result of him spying under bathroom stalls.

"This is now his 27th conviction for the same offense," said Gabel.

According to police, Moreno sneaks into women's restrooms at family friendly places like bookstores, restaurants and grocery stores. He hides in a stall with a black bag containing items like duct tape, pacifiers and audio recorders. Each time Moreno gets caught he only spends a few months in jail.

"You are a serial offender. The things you have done to children are reprehensible. You are a parent's worst nightmare, and you will hopefully stay in jail for a long time because that is where you belong," said Gabel.

Accusations Escalate

Moreno was scheduled to be released next week due to credit for time served, but late Thursday Harris County prosecutors accepted new felony charges. They've uncovered evidence that indicates Moreno has taken his peeping obsession a step further. He's now charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child involving someone other than Gabel's daughter.

"Finally the buck stops. This is where the day ends and no more Lincoln Morenos coming to bathrooms near you," said Andy Kahan, crime victims' advocate.

Kahan has been working with Gabel to get a new state law passed. They'd like to see serial peeping toms face a more serious charge than trespassing and be required to register as a sex offender.