(KTLA) – A chiropractor was arrested and 11 families have filed a lawsuit after a hidden camera was discovered inside the bathroom of a Southern California clinic.
The camera was found at The Joint Chiropractic in Valencia, California, in May.
The small video camera was taped inside a cabinet located directly across from the toilet. It was connected to a power bank and was likely providing live video to whoever planted the camera inside.
In June, Nicholas Vanderhyde, 40, a chiropractor at the clinic, was arrested after investigators recovered the hidden camera and video recordings.
The employee who found the camera said it was strategically pointed in a direction to capture anyone sitting down at the toilet.
“It was pointed directly at the toilet, so they were definitely aiming to record people using the bathroom, people’s private parts,” said the employee, who did not wish to be identified.
The discovery left many disturbed as the bathroom was typically used by staff and patients, some of whom were children. Former patients alleged Vanderhyde would always insist they use the restroom before their treatment.
“Knowing what I know now, I am traumatized by the disgusting violation committed against many people and families, including my own,” said a victim identified only as Alex F.
Alex F. said she often took her young children with her when visiting the clinic and had trusted Vanderhyde.
Some patients had also claimed Vanderhyde inappropriately touched them during treatment.
“The treatment they received from Dr. Vanderhyde was not what they would consider typical chiropractic treatment, which did include adjusting areas around and touching their genitals,” said Janna Trolia, the attorney representing the 17 patients in the lawsuit.
“This was a chiropractor with a known history of harassment and sexual misconduct in the past, and The Joint knew about this history,” Trolia said.
Vanderhyde was arrested on allegations of possession of obscene material depicting a person under 18 and later released on bail.
He is no longer working at the clinic, but charges have not yet been filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators said there are dozens of victims involved, including minors. Some of the victims said they are still suffering from the shocking violation.
“I endure panic attacks at other healthcare offices,” Alex F. said. “I often feel incredibly vulnerable, searching rooms for any hidden cameras. I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to trust a practitioner again.”