News Summary
William Michael Copher, a 49-year-old man from Palmetto, has been arrested for multiple stalking and voyeurism charges in St. Petersburg, targeting several women. His actions included peering into their homes and even delivering disturbing packages. Authorities are investigating further as more victims may come forward, highlighting the community’s need for awareness around stalking and voyeurism.
St. Petersburg, Florida – A 49-year-old man from Palmetto, William Michael Copher, has been arrested for stalking and voyeurism involving multiple women. St. Petersburg Police apprehended Copher on August 5, 2025, after investigating allegations that he had been engaging in disturbing and invasive behavior over several weeks.
Copher faces four counts of stalking and four counts of voyeurism, as he is accused of targeting five different women. Investigators allege that Copher traveled to St. Petersburg specifically to commit these acts, which included standing outside victims’ bedroom windows and peering inside. In at least two instances, victims reported witnessing Copher masturbating outside their windows, causing significant distress and fear.
Authorities also discovered that Copher took his harassment a step further by delivering a package of sex toys to one of the victims and leaving unsettling notes, adding another layer of intimidation to his actions. The police department first received a complaint about Copher’s behavior on June 30, 2025. As additional reports came in and detectives connected the dots, they were able to piece together a clearer profile of his alleged behaviors.
The investigation into Copher’s actions highlighted a pattern of predatory stalking behaviors and raised concerns about the safety and privacy of potential victims in the area. As investigations progressed, it became evident that there may be more victims who have yet to come forward. St. Petersburg Police are urging anyone who may have been affected by Copher’s actions to contact them to ensure all incidents are thoroughly investigated.
This incident shines a light on the serious issue of stalking and voyeurism, both of which are considered serious crimes that can have long-lasting impacts on victims. Stalking is defined as a repeated and unwanted attention or contact that instills fear in the victim, while voyeurism refers to the act of secretly observing individuals for sexual pleasure without their consent. Both offenses are punishable under Florida law, and law enforcement is committed to tackling these issues head-on to protect members of the community.
The St. Petersburg Police Department has been actively working on this case and encourages the public to remain vigilant. Authorities are focused on promoting awareness about stalking and voyeurism, educating the community on recognizing the signs of these behaviors, and understanding how to report them effectively.
The investigation into Copher’s alleged actions continues as police work to gather more information and possibly identify additional victims. The department is taking this matter seriously and is dedicated to keeping residents safe from sexual offenses of this nature. Anyone with information about Copher or related incidents is strongly encouraged to reach out to law enforcement so that appropriate measures can be taken.
This arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety and the need for individuals to feel secure in their own homes. As investigations continue, St. Petersburg Police emphasize the importance of reporting any suspicious or threatening behavior immediately, so that swift action can be taken against offenders.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Stalking
- AOL News
- Google Search: Stalking Laws in Florida
- WFLA News
- Google Scholar: Voyeurism Law Florida
- Patch News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Voyeurism
- Iontb News
- Google News: Florida Stalking Case
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.
