Mo. salon owner sought on taping charges arrested in Arizona

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- A former tanning salon owner wanted on charges of secretly videotaping female customers has been arrested in Arizona, Springfield police said Wednesday.

Brett Patrick Kent, 35, was arrested Saturday by the Phoenix police.

"Official details on his arrest are not yet available, however Kent is in the beginning stages of extradition back to Springfield," police said in a statement.

An arrest warrant was issued for Kent after he failed to appear for a court hearing last December. He had been free on $15,000 bond.

Kent faces 22 charges by county prosecutors and 13 civil lawsuits from customers for allegedly using a hidden camera to videotape women undressing at his salon, 360 Degree Tan.

Federal prosecutors have also filed seven counts alleging Kent produced and possessed child pornography.

Authorities said they were tipped off to Kent's alleged crimes in late 2005 after a female employee at 360 Degree Tan said she was using a business computer and discovered images of women dressing and undressing.

Springfield's city council in February adopted new licensing rules for tanning salons aimed at preventing abuse, including background checks for salon owners and police inspections.