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Police arrest Opelika man for placing hidden cameras in public bathrooms

The Opelika Police Department, along with the Auburn Police Division and the FBI, arrested a man Thursday for placing hidden cameras in public restrooms in the Auburn-Opelika area, police said today in a press conference.

Police arrested Kirston Jermine Dowdell, 31, from Opelika, for aggravated criminal surveillance and production of pornography with minors.

Dowdell placed secret cameras, designed to look like coat hooks, in public men's restroom stalls at the Opelika High School football stadium and Auburn's Shug Jordan Soccer Field, said Opelika Police Chief John McEachern today in Opelika. 

McEachern said Dowdell placed one additional camera at a location "yet to be determined." It is also believed to be a men's restroom. Police said they are confident all cameras have been recovered.

"We are confident that no threat to the public exists at this time," McEachern said. "The preliminary examination found no indication that the videos have been uploaded to the internet or shared with others." 

Auburn City Schools said through a social media statement that there was no evidence the school system facilities were involved. 

ACS said Auburn police were in communication with with school and Parks and Recreation officials to ensure no devices were at either of their venues.

The Opelika Police received a public complaint of the camera at Opelika High School on Oct. 13. Police obtained a warrant and searched his home. Officials seized multiple items of digital media, which have now been handed over to the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force.

"An initial investigation by the FBI has revealed fewer than two dozen child victims whom the FBI, the Auburn Police Department and the Opelika Police Department are working diligently to positively identify," McEachern said.

The FBI is now leading the investigation.


Dowdell placed hidden digital cameras designed to look like coat hangers in men's restrooms in Auburn and Opelika, police said today. (Photo contributed by the Opelika Police Department)


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