FAIRFAX, Ohio -- Police arrested a retired University of Cincinnati physics professor suspected of placing a video recording device in a gym changing room Friday.
A member at Cincinnati Sports Club discovered the device, a live streaming camera disguised as an outlet adapter, in a changing room near their outdoor pool facility on Tuesday. Police arrested Brian Meadows, 76, in connection with the discovery Friday and charged him with multiple counts of voyeurism and illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material.
Meadows "filmed children in the nude and also while they were using the restroom," according to an affidavit submitted Friday to the Hamilton County Municipal Court.
He pleaded not guilty Saturday morning. A judge asked him to surrender both his U.S. and British passports of a condition of his bond, set at $50,000 for each felony count and $5,000 for each misdemeanor count. His next court date is Nov. 15.
A letter sent to Cincinnati Sports Club members after Meadows' arrest said he had been a member for around 20 years; he re-activated his membership in May after his retirement.
Other patrons of the club said they were shocked by the accusations.
"I've been a member for a couple years now, and the clientele that come in there, and the staff and everybody that works there are always great and friendly," said club member Jason Hewitt. "It's shocking that there’s people out there that would just do things I would never think of doing."
Laura Bessenbach, another member, said she would never have thought to look for a recording device in a changing room -- but she may do just that from now on.
"I mean, obviously I would be looking for some sort of camera at this point," she said.
The Cincinnati Sports Club thanked authorities for their responsiveness in investigating the device and encouraged members to stay vigilant in the future.
"We always remind everyone -- members and staff -- 'If you see something, say something,'" said spokeswoman Marie Gemelli-Carroll.
WCPO's Kristen Swilley contributed to this report.
