Crime & Safety

Woman Finds Hidden Camera in Michigan Car Dealership Restroom

Investigators have leads on camera's owner, who could face a range of charges depending on whether images were captured and distributed.

WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP, MI — A female employee of a White Lake Township car dealership got a shocking surprise Wednesday while using the women’s restroom — a hidden video camera facing the toilet that may or may not have been recording, according to media reports.

The investigation is in its early stages, but police said they have a suspect and a range of charges could result, depending upon whether any images were captured or if they were distributed.

The camera was discovered by the worker at Szott M-59 Chrysler Jeep about 1 p.m. by the worker, who immediately notified owner Thad Szott, who in turn ordered no one to touch it until police arrived.

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The woman initially thought someone had left a cellphone behind, but discovered it was a small spy-like camera when she checked closely near the back of the stall.

“We do have some leads on the camera, as to who the owner might be,” Police Chief Adam Kline told The Detroit News.

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The dealership owner, Thad Szott, told WXYZ-TV the discovery is “disturbing and disappointing.”

“We work so hard in building trust with the community,” he said. “We’ve done so much good over the years. … It’s a tough day.”

Szott, 46, told The Detroit News the entire staff of about 100 employees is “shell-shocked” by the discovery.

“Our team is an extension of our family,” Szott said. “We’re all rattled by this.”

Michigan State Police will conduct a detailed forensic examination of the camera.

Image via Shutterstock

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