Cabool, MO - Patrick Pitcher Facing Multiple Child Porn Charges After Hidden Camera Found in Women's Bathroom at Casey’s Convenience Store

Hidden Camera in Gas Station Bathroom Leads to Arrest of Hartville Man

According to KY3, a man is facing several charges after a camera was found in the women's bathroom at Casey's General Store located at 316 Ozark St, Cabool, MO 65689. 

Police received a tip that a camera was spotted hidden in the ceiling of the convenience store. After a search found the camera, police were able to view over 150 videos of women and minor children on the sd card. They also identified 31-year-old Patrick Pitcher adjusting the camera, which led to his arrest. When police searched the suspect's car, they found a gun and drugs. Pitcher was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, invasion of privacy for a victim 18 years old or younger, unlawful use of a weapon, and possession of drugs.

Can I Sue If I Was Recorded By a Hidden Camera in a Bathroom?

Attorney contributor Reed Martens represents victims of sexual assault and their families in the state of Missouri. Reed has experience guiding victims of image-based sexual assault to get the justice they deserve. He recently highlighted when victims of voyeurism could sue if they were recorded by a hidden camera in a bathroom.

"Missouri law prohibits anyone from viewing, photographing, or filming a nude or partially nude person in a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a public bathroom stall. Gas stations and convenience stores have a legal obligation to ensure their staff and customers are provided with privacy when utilizing their bathrooms. While security cameras are encouraged in the common areas of a store for safety reasons, having a hidden camera in a bathroom is a criminal offense. Victims, including minors, engage in intimate activity that they expect to be private and have had their privacy violated. These sex crimes are often preventable by the property owner. They can conduct background checks on their employees and report any unusual activity in these areas of the store. Whether the suspect is an employee or a patron, the property owner owes a duty of care to protect the privacy of their staff and employees."

"Victims of image-based sex crimes, such as voyeurism, can learn more about their legal rights to sue negligent property owners by speaking with a sexual assault attorney. The attorney will work to prove a sexual exploitation case based on the negligence of the convenience store owner. Victims may be eligible to sue if there was an invasion of their privacy due to the failure of the property owner to ensure their safety."

Sources:

KY3