Birdwatcher Charged with Spying on Houseguests

Steven Courtney ​— ​an acclaimed British biologist formerly associated with UCSB’s National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) ​— ​faces up to four years in prison for allegedly installing multiple hidden cameras in the bedroom and shower of a Montecito house he sublet to acquaintances.

Last month, a tenant called the police after finding a miniature camera disguised as a household electronic device in the house she rented from Courtney, who is 61. A subsequent police search of Courtney’s computer and cell phone files showed he had been viewing the footage for apparent sexual gratification for about a year, police said.

On October 11, Courtney was arrested and booked into County Jail with bail set at $2,500. The next day, he was released on his own recognizance. On November 9, he pleaded not guilty to eight counts of electronic peeping. Each charge represents one victim and has a maximum sentence of six months behind bars, according to prosecutor Megan Chanda. His defense attorney, Steve Dunkel, declined to comment. The case returns to court on December 16.