A Richmond Hill man was sentenced Thursday for placing motion activated hidden cameras in devices in bedrooms and bathrooms of a private residence.
In March of this year, detectives with the Richmond Hill Police Department sought warrants for 34-year-old Jonathan Burns Young for five counts of Unlawful Eavesdropping or Surveillance in a condominium residence on River Oaks Drive. According to the warrants, Young placed hidden cameras in an alarm clock located in the master bedroom of the residence, in a diffuser in the master bathroom, and in a lamp in a guest bedroom. All of the devices were oriented to capture people on motion detection cameras without their knowledge or permission.
He was released on bond and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. He was also barred from communicating directly or indirectly with anyone under the age of 18.
In July, Young was indicted by a grand jury on five counts of Invasion of Privacy. The indictment alleged that two adults were captured undressing on camera, two 9-year-olds were captured on the camera while undressing, and in another incident, another party was captured having sexual intercourse.
Each count of Invasion of Privacy carried a sentence of one to five years in prison for a total exposure of up to twenty five years.
Young entered a negotiated plea Thursday morning before Judge Charles Rose. Young’s attorney, Steven Beauvais and Chief ADA Greg McConnell agreed on the following plea:
- 10 years probation
- Early termination of probation after 5 years if all conditions are met and no new crimes are committed
- $1,000 fine, plus any fees and add ons, with 12 months to pay
- No contact with the juvenile victims
Judge Rose accepted the plea and granted Young’s request for First Offender. If Young successfully completes the terms of his sentence, the conviction will not appear on his criminal record.
