A Florida vacation rental community located just minutes from Walt Disney World has become the center of a criminal investigation after an Airbnb host was arrested for allegedly exposing himself and engaging in lewd behavior in areas accessible to families and children. The arrest of Kevin Dale Westerhold, a 51-year-old resident of Oviedo, has raised serious concerns about safety, oversight, and accountability within privately owned short-term rental communities that cater to tourists.
Authorities say the incidents occurred inside Windsor Hills Resort, a gated community in Kissimmee that markets itself as a family-friendly destination for visitors to Central Florida’s theme parks. According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the resort after multiple residents reported witnessing a partially nude man behaving inappropriately in front of residences and in shared spaces.
The investigation ultimately led to Westerhold, who, along with his wife, was listed as a host of Airbnb properties within the same resort. Law enforcement officials say the behavior had been observed on more than one occasion and had previously been reported to the homeowners’ association before escalating to police involvement.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the disturbing nature of the allegations, but also because of the setting in which they occurred. Windsor Hills Resort is widely known for attracting families with young children, making the alleged conduct particularly alarming to residents and guests who believed they were staying in a secure and closely monitored environment.
Reports of Inappropriate Conduct and Evidence Collected by Authorities
Deputies were first dispatched to Grassendale Street inside the Windsor Hills Resort community on January 22 after residents reported seeing a man exposing himself in front of a home. Witnesses provided written statements and turned over a cell phone recording that allegedly showed a partially clothed male engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in a residential area. According to law enforcement, the individual fled the scene before officers arrived, prompting an ongoing investigation.
Further details emerged as investigators reviewed the video evidence and interviewed residents. According to statements attributed to deputies, the footage allegedly shows the suspect performing a sexual act with a vacuum cleaner while standing in front of a residence. Residents who observed the behavior described it as shocking and disturbing, particularly given the presence of families and children within the community at the time.
The investigation expanded when deputies connected the January 22 incident to a separate complaint made the day before. On January 21, a resident reported seeing a nude man in a shared hallway within the resort. Ring camera footage from that incident was provided to law enforcement and reviewed as part of the case. Deputies canvassed nearby areas, including Almaton Loop, where additional residents came forward with similar accounts of inappropriate behavior.
Authorities said the conduct was not isolated. Residents reported that similar incidents had occurred weeks earlier and had been brought to the attention of the homeowners’ association in December. Additional Blink camera footage obtained by investigators allegedly shows the suspect partially clothed or nude while walking through common hallways. Law enforcement officials said the consistency of the reports and the video evidence played a key role in identifying the suspect.
Read : Parents of Alwaleed Algheraibi Sues Airbnb for Not Vetting Guest Who Murdered Their Son
Through their investigation, deputies determined that Kevin Dale Westerhold and his wife were listed as hosts for Airbnb properties on both Grassendale Street and Almaton Loop, placing him within the same areas where the incidents were reported. Westerhold was later taken into custody on Tuesday and charged with exposure of sexual organs. He was booked into the Seminole County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office.
Read : Here Are Set Of Reasons Why Finland Is Happiest Country In The World
Investigators have encouraged anyone who may have witnessed similar behavior or has additional information to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains open as they work to determine whether there were additional victims or incidents not yet reported.
Impact on Residents, Guests, and the Windsor Hills Resort Community
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Windsor Hills Resort community, which is made up of individually owned vacation homes rented to short-term guests throughout the year. The resort promotes itself as a safe and convenient option for Disney visitors, offering amenities such as gated access, shared recreational spaces, and proximity to major attractions. Many residents and guests say those features contributed to a sense of security that has now been shaken.
For families staying at the resort, the allegations have raised serious concerns about exposure to inappropriate conduct in what is supposed to be a controlled environment. Residents who reported the incidents described feeling alarmed that such behavior could occur in common areas without immediate intervention. Some expressed frustration that earlier reports to the homeowners’ association did not result in action strong enough to prevent further incidents.
The case has also renewed broader discussions about oversight in short-term rental communities. While platforms like Airbnb allow homeowners to rent their properties to guests, enforcement of behavioral standards often falls to local associations and law enforcement. Critics argue that when hosts themselves are accused of misconduct, existing systems may not be sufficient to protect residents and visitors.
Homeowners’ associations typically handle complaints related to noise, property maintenance, and minor violations, but criminal behavior requires law enforcement involvement. In this case, residents reported that concerns had been raised weeks earlier, highlighting questions about how quickly complaints are escalated and what mechanisms are in place to monitor repeat issues.
Tourism-dependent communities like Kissimmee face particular challenges, as high guest turnover and private ownership structures can complicate accountability. The Windsor Hills Resort website describes the community as one of the closest vacation rental options to Walt Disney World, a factor that attracts families from around the world. Incidents like this risk damaging the reputation of such communities and undermining confidence among travelers.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized the importance of residents and guests reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior promptly. The sheriff’s office noted that video evidence from personal security cameras played a crucial role in advancing the investigation, underscoring how technology can assist in documenting incidents that might otherwise be difficult to prove.
Legal Consequences and Broader Questions About Short-Term Rental Safety
Kevin Dale Westerhold now faces a criminal charge of exposure of sexual organs, a serious offense under Florida law. If convicted, the charge could carry penalties that include jail time, fines, and potential registration requirements, depending on the circumstances and any prior criminal history. The legal process will determine the outcome, but the arrest alone has already had significant consequences for those involved.
Beyond the immediate legal implications for Westerhold, the case raises broader questions about safety protocols in vacation rental communities. Unlike traditional hotels, where staff and management are present on-site, short-term rental properties often rely on remote management and community rules enforced by associations. When misconduct occurs, especially by property owners or hosts, identifying responsibility and taking swift action can be more complex.
Local authorities and community leaders may face pressure to review policies governing vacation rentals, including background checks, complaint response procedures, and coordination between homeowners’ associations and law enforcement. While many short-term rental hosts operate responsibly, high-profile incidents can prompt calls for tighter regulation and oversight.
For guests, the case serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and to report concerning behavior immediately. For residents, it highlights the importance of documenting incidents and following up when initial complaints do not lead to resolution. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has reiterated its request for additional witnesses to come forward, suggesting that the full scope of the alleged behavior may not yet be known.
As the investigation continues, the Windsor Hills Resort community is left grappling with the aftermath of an incident that has challenged its image as a family-friendly destination. The case underscores the delicate balance between private property rights, tourism-driven economies, and the fundamental expectation of safety in shared living spaces.