This week, charges were filed against 50-year-old Michael Scott Howard who was recording and photographing boys changing in the locker room at an Eden Prarie, Minn., Life Time Fitness. Howard faces two felony charges and there is a warrant out for his arrest as Howard is not in custody at this time.
When the incident occurred back in June, another gym-goer allegedly noticed a phone propped up on a laundry bin in the locker room, confronted Howard and then withheld the device from Howard while police were called.
When police arrived they discovered a professional, covert camera attached to the cell phone. According to StarTribune.com, Howard had “23 video files with 63 unique victims and ‘significantly more photographs’ on his cellphone.” The victims ranged in age from 13-18, but some were as young as five.
The police later received a search warrant to access Howard’s van. There they found additional electronic devices related to the crimes.
Jason Thunstrom, Life Time Fitness senior vice president said in a statement, “We find this individual’s alleged actions to be very disturbing. Our established policies, reinforced by signage and our employees, expressly prohibit the use of cellular phones (and other mobile devices) in photographic or video mode in locker rooms and many other areas of our clubs. Upon becoming aware of this matter, we took swift action to terminate the individual’s membership, and began collaborating with authorities in their active investigation.”
All of this comes after Life Time Fitness fell under fire for locker room controversies in Missouri last week. The fitness center allowed a transgender woman to use her preferred locker room, but later revoked her membership. Local authorities are investigating that matter and no arrests were made.
Authorities in Eden Prarie believe that Howard could be a flight risk and is likely to continue his criminal activities if not apprehended. If convicted, he faces up to eight years in prison.
