Southeast Missouri tanning salon owner charged with taking video of customers

MALDEN, Mo. -- A local businessman faces multiple counts of invasion of privacy charges in addition to several charges of possession of child pornography following an investigation at his tanning salon.

According to Dunklin County Prosecutor Stephen P. Sokoloff, Joseph Layland Jr., 36, is charged with four counts of felony charges relating to child pornography and six counts of felony invasion of privacy related to video recordings he allegedly made of customers at his place of business in Malden.

The prosecutor said that nothing in the investigation suggests that the videos taken from the tanning salon have been posted on the Internet.

Authorities were alerted by a female customer who reported finding a quarter-inch inch hole in the wall of her tanning room. Upon inspection, she noticed a reflection she believed to be a camera. The woman told the police department that she had a feeling that things were not right, which then caused her to investigate.

Associate Circuit Court Judge John C. Spielman has issued a $500,00 cash-only bond for Layland, who is set to appear in court for his initial arraignment on Tuesday.

According to information provided by the prosecution, it is anticipated that additional charges may by forthcoming as the investigation continues.