Ex-Hooters manager charged in videotaping

WEST COVINA, Calif. (AP) -- Prosecutors filed a criminal complaint Tuesday against a former Hooters restaurant manager who reportedly secretly videotaped 14 waitress applicants -- including four who were under 18 -- as they changed into uniforms.
Juan Martin Aponte, 32, faces up to 19 years in prison if convicted of felony and misdemeanor charges contained in the 57-count complaint. Arrested Friday, he remains held on $500,000 bail.
Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Gary Hearnsberger said felony charges include using a minor for a sex act and eavesdropping. Four applicants were under 18, and the digital recording contained audio, he said.
The prosecutor said about 180 digital recordings were seized.
An arraignment scheduled for Tuesday was postponed until May 27 at Aponte's lawyer's request. Attorney Brian Michaels has said Aponte would plead innocent.
The taping allegedly occurred between November and February in a trailer outside a West Covina restaurant being renovated as a new Hooters -- a chain best known for its scantily clad waitresses. Hearnsberger noted it is not the policy of Hooters to ask applicants to try on the uniforms.