A Franklin Square landlord was charged Tuesday with two counts of unlawful surveillance for allegedly spying on his female tenants.

Police say Michael Muratore, 44, planted hidden cameras inside the smoke detectors in his female tenants? bedrooms. The two out-of-state Hofstra University students were renting the second floor of Muratore?s home on 2nd Avenue.

Authorities say the cameras were discovered when the women had the smoke detectors checked to make sure they were working. Detective Sgt. Anthony Rapalone says Muratore gutted the smoke detectors and put the cameras inside. They sent a signal to his personal computer and may have been a live feed, he says.

Police say Muratore gave the impression he installed the cameras to protect his property. He had to sign orders of protection for both alleged victims in order to be released from jail.