Authorities: Man Used Wristwatch Camera to Take Pictures of Boys Undressing at YMCA

A 53-year-old Coon Rapids man is in the Anoka County jail on suspicion of using a wristwatch camera to take videos and photos of boys undressing at the Emma B. Howe YMCA, 8950 Springbrook Dr., Coon Rapids, just north of Fridley.

Here is the statement from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office:

A 53 year old Coon Rapids male was arrested pursuant to an investigation that began on February 24, 2013 at the Andover YMCA. On February 24th, a 12 year old boy reported to his parents that while he was changing clothes at the Andover YMCA, he observed an adult male to hold a watch over a partition into the area where the boy was getting dressed. The incident was reported to staff at the Andover YMCA and also to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. The YMCA staff worked with law enforcement and using video surveillance from inside the health club, an alleged suspect was identified by the complainant.

A search warrant was executed at the suspect’s home on March 2nd, 2013. The suspect resides with his parents. During the course of the search, a wrist watch that had digital video and still photo capability was located near a computer. A second search warrant was executed for the data contained on the computer. Preliminary results show that the alleged suspect has numerous files that depict young male children in various states of undress at the Andover and Coon Rapids YMCA’s and at least one other as of yet known athletic facility. There was also a quantity of known child pornography found on the alleged suspect’s computer that we do not believe was produced by him. The suspect HAS BEEN ARRESTED, BUT IS NOT YET FORMALLY CHARGED. The case is pending the review of the Anoka County Attorney’s Office and a charging decision is expected to be made by noon on March 5th, 2013. The suspect is in custody at the Anoka County Jail and has been booked for Interference with Privacy and Possession of Child Pornography.

The full statement also gave the suspect's name but Fridley Patch does not generally name suspects under arrest until prosecutors have formally charged them.