Hidden Spy Camera Discovered in Johnson & Johnson Bathroom, Say Police
January 26, 2015
By Mark Terry and Riley McDermid, BioSpace.com Breaking News Staff
The New York City Police Department reported today that a pinhole camera was found in a unisex bathroom at Johnson & Johnson ’s corporate offices in NYC last week. A designer with the company discovered the camera, located above the light switch.
Johnson & Johnson ’s building maintenance supervisor reported the camera to the New York Police Department after it was discovered on Jan. 16, 2015. After examination, the camera was found to contain an SD card used for video storage. Johnson & Johnson’s Carol Goodrich said the company had immediately contacted the NYPD after the camera’s discovery. The company’s headquarters are at 601 W. 26th Street in New York City, in the NYPD’s 10th Precinct.
“The device was hidden above a light switch in the bathroom next to offices that include Ralph Lauren and Haynes Roberts, whose interior-design projects focus on mansions and exclusive resorts from Palm Beach to Fifth Avenue,” reported the New York Post. “The bathroom with the hidden device is open and accessible to all tenants and guests on the floor. It wasn’t clear whether the potty perv who put it there captured customers or models who do photo shoots nearby in RR Donnelley’s Studio W26. Investigators had yet to review the storage drive recovered with the camera.”
The discovery came only days before the company’s 2014 fourth-quarter earnings report on Jan. 20, 2015. J&J reported sales of $18.3 billion for the fourth quarter, a decrease of 0.6 percent compared to the same period in 2013. Global sales for all of 2014 were $74.3 billion, an increase of 4.2 percent compared to 2013.
“2014 was a strong year for Johnson & Johnson, as we delivered solid financial results while continuing to make investments to accelerate growth for the long term,” said Alex Gorsky, company chairman and chief executive officer in a statement. “We have built significant momentum in our Pharmaceutical business, are realizing the benefits of innovation, scale and breadth in our Medical Devices business and are continuing our market leadership with iconic brands in our Consumer business.” Today’s story about the pinhole camera is part of what appears to be a trend. NBC ran a story on March 27, 2014 about numerous reports of cameras being found in public bathrooms. According to the story, placing a hidden camera is considered a state felony that can be punished with jail sentences.
The NYPD indicates they are investigating the J&J camera as a sex crime and unlawful surveillance, with the added possibility of obscene material involving people under the age of 17. There was no immediate information available regarding victims or perpetrators who were minors.
Pinhole cameras are very similar in size to those used on smartphones. With a SIM card and an SD memory card, they can record hours of footage. Voyeurs with high-tech gear have turned surveillance of this type into a frequent crime occurring worldwide, with tutorials on how to install these cameras available via video channels like YouTube.
“These spy cameras are tremendously modern with wireless connection,” said Vincent Ho, a private investigator in a statement. “They are available in different forms, such as lighters, sockets, cigarette packs and car keys.”
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