Lifeguards file suit alleging hidden cameras in state beach locker room

Two lifeguards appeared at a press conference Thursday with attorney Gloria Allred to announce a lawsuit against the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The suit alleges that former parks superintendent Kevin Pearsall, 59, of Long Beach, placed hidden cameras in an employee locker room at Bolsa Chica State Beach.

The complaint states the devices recorded audio and video of workers undressing and engaging in bodily functions without consent. It further alleges that some images were transmitted to at least two other individuals.

Lawsuit details The suit, filed in Orange County Superior Court on behalf of Mathew Dawson, Richard Corey, Nichola Petkus and a fourth unnamed person, claims violations of the state Fair Employment and Housing Act. " The complaint says the concealed devices, disguised as USB memory sticks, were placed as early as 2019.

Criminal charges Pearsall faces five felony counts of eavesdropping, 23 misdemeanor counts of secretly filming another person, and three misdemeanor counts of unlawfully distributing private recordings. Prosecutors said the recordings occurred over an 11-month period. Allred encouraged anyone who believes they may be a victim to come forward. "We look forward to our day in court," she said.