A 79-year-old Florida man was arrested last week after neighbors at his apartment complex reported him for repeatedly exposing himself while wearing only a thong. Tyrone James Causey faced multiple indecent exposure charges following two consecutive days of complaints to the Hollywood Police Department. The incident escalated when he made inappropriate comments to an officer who arrived to investigate the allegations.
Residents of the apartment complex had grown increasingly frustrated with Causey’s behavior, which included walking around the property in minimal clothing and making lewd gestures toward neighbors. According to police reports, he allegedly thrust his penis at a woman’s doorbell camera during one of his regular walks around the complex.
Officer confronted with inappropriate behavior during investigation
When Hollywood Police Department Officer Savannah Hutcheson arrived at Causey’s apartment on Wednesday to speak with him, she was greeted at the door by the elderly man wearing a G-string thong. During their conversation, Causey attempted to justify his actions by citing Florida Statute 800.001, claiming he had a right to walk around naked and that such behavior was only illegal in parks, not in public spaces.
The officer explained to Causey that it was indeed illegal to expose himself in public, regardless of his interpretation of the law. However, the situation took a more disturbing turn when the elderly man put on lipstick during the conversation, began touching his penis, and told Officer Hutcheson to “jump rope for me, baby doll.” His behavior during the police encounter only strengthened the case against him.
Defendant claimed ignorance of being filmed by neighbors
Causey defended his actions by stating that he believed he was allowed to walk around the apartment complex naked. He also claimed that he was unaware he was being filmed by neighbors’ security cameras. The explanation did little to help his situation, as investigators had already gathered substantial evidence from multiple residents who had witnessed or recorded his behavior over the previous days.
- Five neighbors provided statements confirming they witnessed Causey exposing himself
- Video evidence from doorbell cameras captured his lewd gestures
- Police were called to the complex twice in consecutive days
- Causey was charged with five counts of indecent exposure
The accumulation of witness testimony and video evidence left investigators with a clear pattern of behavior that violated Florida law. Each neighbor who came forward described similar incidents of Causey walking around the property with his genitals exposed while wearing minimal or no clothing.
Judge finds probable cause for misdemeanor charges
Following his arrest on Wednesday, Causey appeared before a judge who found probable cause for standard misdemeanor charges. The five indecent exposure charges stemmed from the separate incidents reported by different neighbors at the apartment complex. Each charge represented a distinct violation witnessed by individual residents who had grown concerned about the repeated behavior.
The case highlighted the challenges faced by apartment communities when dealing with residents who engage in inappropriate public behavior. Multiple neighbors had expressed frustration that the incidents continued despite their initial complaints. The repeated nature of the offenses and Causey’s apparent disregard for social norms and legal boundaries ultimately led to his arrest.
Suspect released from custody by end of week
By Friday afternoon, Causey was no longer listed in Broward County jail records, indicating he had been released from custody. The standard misdemeanor charges he faced typically allow for bond or release pending further court proceedings. His case will likely proceed through the local court system, where he will face the consequences of his actions.
The incident serves as a reminder that claiming ignorance of the law or misinterpreting statutes does not provide legal protection for inappropriate public behavior. Causey’s attempt to cite Florida law in his defense backfired, particularly when combined with his conduct during the police investigation. The five separate charges he faces reflect the multiple victims who were subjected to his indecent behavior over the course of several days.
