Handyman

Viral video of handyman yelling at tenant after alleged sexual battery highlights renter security considerations

By Felix Cortez

Click here for updates on this story

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KSBW) – A video going viral on social media showing a repairman yelling at a female tenant after he allegedly just sexually assaulted her highlights the safety of tenants and the steps they are taking should do to protect themselves from violent and unscrupulous craftsmen.

The video was taken by Debs Campaigne, a Watsonville tenant who let John Welsh into her home for repairs. Welsh was sent by the property owner and at one point in the video you can be heard yelling, “The fact that I got a little weird with you is because I’m just a guy, whatever the (expletive) is.”

The video has attracted more than 6 million views on social media. But that’s not why Campaigne decided to tell her story to Action News 8, she’s talking to prevent the same thing from happening to other tenants.

“What I kept telling myself is like, I’m his last victim, I’m his last victim and I’ll do whatever you can to be their last victim. Do what you can to stop that person from hurting someone else, even if it’s uncomfortable,” Campaigne said.

In another part of the video, Welsh yells at Campaigne: “…I can leave right now, you have no water, your carpets are not clean, your (power) blinds are not up and nothing is done.”

Campainge says she asked for items in her rented apartment to be fixed but says she ended up being sexually assaulted by Welsh. The 62-year-old was arrested days later by Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Deputies.

Campaigne says she decided to speak out because she wants other tenants to know their rights when it comes to letting tradespeople into their home or apartment.

Garbage piles up in Pajaro as residents clean up from floods. District chiefs estimate Pajaro’s full recovery will take “months, if not years” “We have the right to ask for background checks and references, just like the owners and landlords have the right to that information before we bring people into our home You don’t have to let anyone in,” Campaigne said.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office says you should do your homework before hiring a contractor or handyman, and they warn landlords not to cut corners to hire the cheapest help.

“Be careful when it comes to checking whether they are licensed or not, checking backgrounds and actually calling references. We believe this can prevent some tragedy,” said Ashley Keehn, spokeswoman for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

In another interaction between tenant and tradesman, Campaigne is heard saying she just wants “a little space”. Welsh responds by saying, “No, I don’t care what you want.”

A simple Google search revealed that Welsh, who does business under the Bella Tiger name, has had his license revoked for more than a dozen code violations, including; intentional or fraudulent act, no license number, exceeding contract amount and no license number on contracts.

Campaigne wants others to hear their story now more than ever, now that many are rebuilding after the recent storms and floods and may be looking for handymen or contractors.

“Right now, with the storms we’ve had in our county, there is a tremendous need for home support in terms of maintenance and repairs and we just need to protect ourselves,” Campaigne said.

As for the Campaigne case, Welsh has been charged with sexual violence. It’s still an active investigation and sheriff’s office investigators want to hear from anyone who may have done business with Welsh and did business as Bella Tiger.

Please note: This content is subject to a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the author of this article, do not use it on any platform.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button