Man Arrested for Allegedly Placing Video Camera in Bar Restroom

By Christy Aumer, Reporter

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Sep 5, 2012 at 11:37 AM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 5, 2012 at 6:37 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - A Marion man arrested on suspicion of placing a video camera in the women’s restroom at a Cedar Rapids bar, made his initial appearance in Linn County court Wednesday morning.

Richard A. Wessels, 58, of Marion, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant for invasion of privacy, a serious misdemeanor, after he allegedly placed a video camera in the women's restroom at The Rut Bar and Grill at 6913 Mt. Vernon Rd. in April 2011.

Wessels was listed as the owner of The Rut in minutes from the March 10, 2011 meeting of the Linn County Board of Supervisors.

According to officials, the videotape included footage of an adult victim in a state of partial or full nudity without their knowledge or consent. There is only one known victim at this time.

Invasion of privacy is a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,875. Wessels was no longer in custody Wednesday afternoon.