Former RIC staffer in hidden bathroom camera case seeks deferred sentence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A former Rhode Island College (RIC) employee accused of placing a hidden camera in a. campus bathroom is asking the court for a deferred sentence.

Dean Faiola, 49, was arrested at his Cranston home in February 2025 and charged with felony video voyeurism. Investigators linked him to a hidden camera discovered inside a bathroom at the Donovan Dining Center.

The investigation began after a student worker noticed what appeared to be a camera lens near a sprinkler head in a second-floor restroom ceiling. The student reported the discovery to Faiola, who was serving as assistant director of dining services at the time.

Police said the student returned to the bathroom about 30 minutes later and found the device had been removed.

Investigators later said they connected the camera to Faiola after finding an application on his cellphone that allegedly contained video clips recorded inside the bathroom. Authorities said the recordings allegedly captured at least five individuals in various stages of undress.

Following his arrest, Faiola was fired from his position and prohibited from returning to campus.

New court filings submitted this week detail Faiola’s request for a deferred sentence and describe changes in his life since the arrest.

According to court documents, Faiola has no prior criminal history. However, the filing states he has struggled to find stable full-time employment while the felony charge remains pending. The documents say he has worked several part-time jobs since the case began.

The filing also states that Faiola has remained sober since his arrest. It says he has continued treatment and counseling for anxiety and depression.

Additional documents submitted to the court include a statement from Faiola’s psychiatrist. The psychiatrist wrote that Faiola has shown remorse and gained insight into his past behavior.

Faiola also submitted a personal statement discussing his family and his role as a father. He wrote that the case caused him to reflect on the type of example he wants to set for his young daughter. He also expressed regret over the impact the situation has had on his family.

His wife also submitted a statement to the court. She wrote that she has personally witnessed his remorse and his efforts toward improvement through counseling and self-reflection.

The filing asks the court to consider a two-year deferred sentence. Proposed conditions would include counseling, sobriety requirements, employment, and continued family responsibilities.