The son of BUC-EE's co-founder Don Wasek is confronted with serious legal problems after he was arrested and accused of possession of child pornography.
Mitchell Wasek, 29, was officially accused of third -degree crime possession of child pornography in Travis County, Texas on Friday.
The charges arise from an incident dating from 26 September 2023.
If convicted, he could be confronted between two and ten years in prison and a fine of a maximum of $ 10,000 under the law of Texas.
The last indictment only contributes to the growing legal problems of WASEK.
In May 2024 he was charged for 21 crime counts of invasive visual recording after authorities had discovered hidden cameras, secretly 13 unsuspecting victims included in several property ownership of his family.
It included images that are reportedly shot in the bathrooms and bedrooms of a luxury Lake Travis Estate, a high-rise Austin apartment, a penthouse in Dallas and a holiday home in Telluride, Colorado.
The disturbing case came to light for the first time when a group of friends who visited the Lake Travis house noticed an unusual charging port in the bathroom.
Mitchell Wasek, 29, was officially accused of third -degree crime possession of child pornography in Travis County, Texas on Friday
WASEK, the son of BUC-EE's co-founder Donald Wasek, is confronted with serious legal problems after he was arrested and accused of possession of child pornography
WASEK is the son of BUC-EE's co-founder Donald Wasek, left. Also depicted his politician than Patrick, Center, and Arch Aplin III, Wasek's BUC-EE's co-founder
One of them, an employee in cyber security for the Ministry of Defense, inspected the device and found a hidden camera embedded.
The group removed the camera and when inspecting the memory card found dozens of videos of themselves and others in compromising situations – with the help of the toilet, showering, changing clothes and occupying sexual activities.
They realized the seriousness of the situation and surrendered the camera to the authorities.
Researchers then discovered a total of 68 video files, many of which were recorded without permission for a period of at least two years.
Amazon Records also showed that WAMEK had ordered 'spy cameras'.
'The Travis County District Attorney office takes the work to present all the facts and evidence very seriously to a large jury. In this case, a group of independent members of the Travis County community heard the evidence and the law and decided that the behavior of Mr Waxek was illegal, “said Travis County District Attorney José Garza.
It was then researchers to comb the digital evidence that they discovered even more disturbing material – images of children who seemed to be prepubescent.
Detectives at the Sheriff of Travis County office sent the files to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, where a comparison with existing databases revealed that at least one victim, a seven -year -old girl had previously exploited and her images were distributed online.
Wasek's secret spy -recordings came to light in 2023 when witnesses went to the police after finding images of themselves and other guests on a hidden camera at a lake of $ 8.2 million ownership of his father and other property
He is also accused of filming visitors with his parents $ 1 million apartment in Austin
Furthermore, forensic research led to the conviction of another suspect for production, distribution and possession of child pornography, which suggests that the recordings of WASEK may have been shared or obtained through illegal networks.
BUC-EE's, known for its enormous convenience stores, flawless toilets and characteristic snacks such as Bevernuggets and breast rolls, has cultivated a loyal customer base.
The chain has locations in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carlina, Tennessee and Texas where it started.
But the Clean Cut brand of the family is now dragged to a scandal of criminal voyeurism and the exploitation of minors.
Before these last charges, Wasek already had to deal with the personal fall -out of his earlier arrests.
After being charged in October 2023, Wasek was forced to leave his luxury $ 4,700 a month in Penthouse in the prestigious village of Drey Apartment complex of Dallas.
A spokesperson for the complex, David Margulies, confirmed to DailyMail.com that management had quickly taken action: “It was clear that he should not stay there.”
Waxek is confronted with 28 crime, but remains free on a bond of $ 280,000. If he is convicted on all points, he could look at decades behind bars
A team of six professional movers were seen who emptied the house, and Wasek's possessions were later moved to a storage unit near one of the Austin property of his father.
Neighbors were shaken by the scandal. “I think you never really know who your neighbors are,” a resident noticed after he had seen the police perform a house search order in the laundry apartment. “I am relieved that he is gone.”
Half a joke admitted: “I think I should check on cameras.”
Waxek's legal team is now trying to set up a defense.
His lawyer, David Gonzalez, has previously stated: 'This case includes the legal right to install cameras in his own house.
WASEK was also forced to move from his luxury Dallas Penthouse after being accused of secretly filming guests in different states of recovery '
“May a homeowner install a camera in his house without telling housekeepers or guests, or does the guest have a larger legal right than the homeowner?” Gonzalez asked USA Today in a rhetorical question.
Legal experts claim that the inclusion of individuals in intimate institutions without their knowledge is a clear violation of the law of Texas, and the addition of charges for child pornography makes his case even worse.
In Lake Jackson, Texas, where Wasek's family first founded BUC-Ee's in 1982, the scandal is the city's conversation.
“We knew he grew up,” noted a room. “His parents were very nice business people. I have his mother's lamps in my house after she died. '
Others expressed shock, disappointment and anger, with some remark about the contrast between the successful business empire of the family and the shocking actions of their son.
Waxek is confronted with 28 crime, but remains free on a bond of $ 280,000. If he is convicted on all points, he could look at decades behind bars.
According to the court reports, Wasek's first judicial appearance for the new charges is planned for 19 March.
