News Summary
William Michael Copher, a 49-year-old man, has been arrested in St. Petersburg on multiple counts of stalking and voyeurism involving at least five women. The investigation began after complaints regarding his alarming behavior, including peering into women’s homes and sending unwanted packages. Authorities are seeking additional victims as they take measures to enhance community safety in the wake of the incident.
St. Petersburg Man Arrested for Stalking and Voyeurism of Five Women
St. Petersburg, FL – A 49-year-old man named William Michael Copher was arrested by local police detectives on August 5, 2025, following multiple complaints from women living in the area. Copher faces serious charges, including four counts of stalking and four counts of voyeurism involving at least five different female victims.
According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, the investigation into Copher began after officials received the first complaint on June 30, 2025. Detectives connected several incidents attributed to the suspect, gathering tips and information that ultimately led them to identify Copher as the alleged perpetrator. Reports indicate that Copher traveled from Palmetto, FL, to St. Petersburg specifically to engage in his concerning actions.
Victims described alarming behaviors by Copher. He was reported to have stood outside the bedroom windows of different women, peering inside their homes. In at least two documented cases, witnesses observed him masturbating while watching these women in a state of undress. Furthermore, Copher’s actions escalated to sending a package containing sex toys to one of the victims, along with leaving unsolicited notes directed at her.
The police are currently investigating the case further, as they suspect additional victims may exist. Authorities are urging anyone who may have experienced similar harassment or has any relevant information about Copher’s actions to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department.
In Florida, both stalking and voyeurism are serious offenses that can lead to severe legal repercussions, including imprisonment. The law defines stalking as willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following or harassing another person, causing them to feel afraid or unsafe. Voyeurism, on the other hand, involves secretly observing individuals without their consent for the purpose of sexual gratification.
As the investigation continues, police have heightened awareness in the community, encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement. They emphasize the importance of taking these incidents seriously and working together to ensure the safety of all citizens.
Victims of such crimes often face emotional and psychological trauma, and authorities are committed to providing the necessary support and resources for those affected by Copher’s alleged actions. The support system includes counseling services and victim advocacy programs aimed at helping individuals cope and recover from their experiences.
This arrest serves as a critical reminder of the importance of community awareness and the need for prompt reporting of suspicious or dangerous behavior. Police departments across the nation continuously work to protect citizens from crimes like stalking and voyeurism and enforce laws that uphold public safety.
The St. Petersburg Police Department remains dedicated to pursuing justice in this case and assuring the public that safety remains a top priority. As investigations unfold, updates may be released to keep the community informed about developments regarding the case and additional preventive measures in place against stalking and harassment.
In summary, William Michael Copher’s arrest highlights the ongoing issues surrounding stalking and voyeurism, prompting broader discussions about victim rights and community safety. The authorities are actively seeking to address any gaps in protection and are committed to bringing any further offenders to justice.
As this investigation progresses, the St. Petersburg community is encouraged to stay informed and proactive in reporting any incidents or information that may assist law enforcement in ensuring everyone’s safety.
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HERE Resources
Palmetto Man Arrested for Stalking and Voyeurism in St. Petersburg
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Voyeurism
- AOL News
- Google Search: Stalking Laws in Florida
- WFLA News
- Google Scholar: Voyeurism Law
- IONTB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stalking
- Times of India
- Google News: Stalking and Voyeurism Cases
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
