An Ochsner resident training to become a doctor has been arrested and accused of recording people inside a hospital bathroom. Andrew Matthews, 37, of Jefferson, now faces 10 counts of video voyeurism, with more counts expected as the investigation continues, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO). Deputies were called to the hospital in the 1500 block of Jefferson Highway after an employee found the camera and reported it to hospital security. The security staff identified Matthews as the suspect and turned over evidence to the sheriff’s office. JPSO stated that there were dozens of videos taken inside what is believed to be a staff-only restroom. The investigation is expected to last several weeks.
Ochsner Health’s Medical Director released a statement regarding the arrest, confirming that a resident trainee had been arrested for unlawfully installing a recording device in an employee restroom at their Jefferson Highway campus. The individual has since been terminated, and an investigation by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is underway. The safety of patients, visitors, and employees is the highest priority for Ochsner Health, and they do not tolerate violations of privacy or illegal activity of any kind. The security team swiftly conducted a thorough sweep of the campus, including all bathrooms, call rooms, and other private staff and patient areas, and no other devices were found. Ochsner Health is offering all available resources to support their teams and will continue to work closely with the sheriff’s office and their security and safety teams.
Former NOPD Captain Mike Cahn, who has seen multiple cases involving hidden cameras in his career, explained that these cameras can be as small as a pinhole and easily hidden. Cahn provided tips on how to detect hidden cameras in public places. He mentioned that most hidden cameras emit infrared light that cannot be seen with the naked eye. One way to detect it is to open up the camera on a cell phone and point the front-facing camera towards the suspected area. The cell phone’s camera can detect the infrared light. Cahn emphasized that this trick can help find hidden cameras inside wall sockets, vents, or other inconspicuous places. Hidden cameras have been found in various locations, including restrooms, rented houses, and hotel rooms.
Larry Lavallais, the owner and founder of Innovative I.T. in New Orleans, suggested that businesses should conduct regular checks for hidden cameras, especially in privacy areas such as restrooms and break rooms. He stated that this should be part of the checklist for IT teams or IT personnel, as random audits can help identify any potential hidden cameras and protect people from being vulnerable and exposed.
Andrew Matthews is currently being held on a $50,000 bond.
Original Story at www.wdsu.com – 2023-08-04 03:31:00