‘Unsettling and unacceptable’: Iowa man allegedly hid a camera in salon to watch people use tanning beds

ALBIA, Iowa (TCN) -- A 49-year-old man accused of hiding a camera in a salon to watch people use tanning beds has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges.

According to a press release from the Albia Police Department, the investigation began on June 26 when a hidden camera was found inside the Just Teasin’ Hair Salon. The camera was reportedly disguised as an electrical outlet and was facing an area where tanning beds were used; the area was designed for personal use, according to police. 

The investigation identified Kevin Zaputil as a suspect. According to a criminal complaint obtained by WHO-DT, investigators learned that Zaputil allegedly placed the camera in 2023 while working as the salon’s main contractor. The owner of the salon became aware of the camera after someone reported they had heard people talking about it at another location.

Zaputil was arrested and charged with stalking and three felony counts of invasion of privacy. Several days later, two additional counts of misdemeanor invasion of privacy were filed, per WHO-DT. According to police, he bonded out of the Monroe County Jail. 

A review of images and videos captured on the camera revealed three women and one minor female used the tanning bed, according to WHO-DT. Zaputil allegedly said he did not share any of the videos he obtained of people disrobing, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges in early September.

“The violation of trust and privacy that has resulted from the discovery of the camera is unsettling and unacceptable in our community,” Albia Police Chief Nathan Pritchard said.

In July, Zaputil was charged with marijuana possession and carrying a dangerous weapon, according to KCCI.

WHO-DT reports Zaputil will appear in court for a jury trial on Oct. 13.

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