New Rochelle, NY – A 33-year-old West Nyack man has been charged with a felony after police said he concealed a recording device inside bathroom facilities at the New York Athletic Club in New Rochelle, allegedly recording several people, including children.
Ryan Mack, 33, of West Nyack, was charged with second-degree unlawful surveillance, a felony, the New Rochelle Police Department announced Thursday, Aug. 13. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether there are additional potential victims.
The investigation began July 5 after managers at the New York Athletic Club contacted New Rochelle police to report that a concealed recording device had been discovered inside a bathroom at the club.
Detectives from the New Rochelle Police Department investigated the discovery with assistance from the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office High Tech Unit. Investigators determined that Mack, who was an employee of the club, allegedly placed a recording device inside the Platform Tennis Hut West Restroom.
According to police, the device was positioned in a manner that allowed it to record people while they were using the toilet. Investigators subsequently identified several people who they believe were recorded without their knowledge or consent. Authorities said some of the alleged victims were children.
Police obtained an arrest warrant for Mack as a result of the investigation.
Authorities said Mack traveled to Kansas after the recording device was discovered. In mid-July, he was stopped and arrested by members of the Kansas Highway Patrol outside Topeka.
On Wednesday, Aug. 12, members of the Westchester County Police Department’s Warrant Fugitive Unit transported Mack back to Westchester County. He was formally charged and arraigned in New Rochelle City Court the following day.
Police are now attempting to determine whether additional people were recorded and have identified several specific dates and locations that are part of the investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone who used the Platform Tennis Hut West Restroom between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19; Saturday, July 4; or Sunday, July 5 to contact investigators.
Police are also seeking information from anyone who used the Men’s Tennis Locker Room between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 21; Thursday, July 2; or Friday, July 3.
Anyone who believes they may have been recorded, used the identified facilities during those dates and times, or has other information that could assist the investigation is being asked to contact New Rochelle Police Detective Marisa Bird at 914-654-2367.
The New Rochelle Police Department said several law enforcement agencies assisted with the investigation and apprehension, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Westchester County Police Department Warrant Fugitive Unit and Westchester County District Attorney’s Office High Tech Unit.
Police said the investigation is continuing, and additional charges are possible as detectives review evidence and attempt to identify other potential victims.
Mack has been charged with second-degree unlawful surveillance, but the charge remains an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.