Photo: OC Lifeguards // Instagram
A former California State Parks superintendent has been accused of secretly recording Orange County lifeguards. According to ABC7 in Los Angeles, Kevin Pearsall, 59, has been released on bond after allegedly placing a hidden camera in a men’s locker room.
Prosecutors allege the recording took place in the locker room of the Bolsa Chica lifeguard’s headquarters during the summer of 2024. At least 23 victims (all adult men) have been named.
“They were being preyed on in the most intimate and disgustingly violative way,” said Orange County District Attorney’s Office director of public affairs Kimberly Edds, who explained that the investigation began after a California State Parks officer found what he initially thought was a USB drive in the locker room. Soon after, the device was discovered to be a hidden camera, which prosecutors allege had been recording since August 2024.
Pearsall is charged with five felony counts of eavesdropping, 23 misdemeanor counts of secretly filming another, and three misdemeanor counts of unlawful dissemination of private recordings. If convicted of all counts, he could face a maximum sentence of 18 years and eight months in jail.
In addition to criminal charges, one of the alleged victims is filing a civil complaint against the state of California, alleging the state failed to prevent the harassment.
“California State Parks takes these charges very seriously and has fully cooperated with law enforcement through every step of the investigation,” read a statement from the agency. “Upon being alerted to these serious criminal allegations, State Parks immediately contacted the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and requested an investigation. As this is an active criminal case, State Parks will not comment further at this time.”
