GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A former John Ball Zoo employee is accused of using a cellphone in a dust pan to take illicit videos of victims without their knowledge, court documents show.
In one case, Steven Edward Pook, of Belmont, is facing two counts of using a computer to commit a crime and two counts of capturing/distributing image of an unclothed person, according to documents filed in 61st District Court.
An affidavit of probable cause says that in June, police responded to John Ball Zoo for “concerns of an employee recording up women’s skirts.” Pook, who is accused of carrying a dust pan that contained a cellphone that was actively recording video, was allegedly seen following women and holding the dust pan at their feet. One victim “described Pook as extremely close to her, so much so she could feel his presence,” according to the affidavit.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Pook’s phone and found eight videos that were taken in June, including one video of him recording up the victims’ skirts that also showed Pook recording himself as he adjusted the camera angle, the probable cause affidavit says.
In a separate case, Pook is facing one count of aggravated child sexually abusive activity and one count of using a computer to commit a crime, a felony complaint shows.
According to the probable cause affidavit for this case, investigators also found on Pook’s phone an explicit video involving a child.
In a statement provided to News 8, John Ball Zoo CEO Peter D’Arienzo addressed “a recent incident involving a former seasonal employee at John Ball Zoo.”
“On June 21, John Ball Zoo received reports that a seasonal staff member was allegedly taking photographs of Zoo guests without their consent,” D’Arienzo said. “We took immediate action by removing that individual from the Zoo and contacting the Grand Rapids Police Department, which conducted an investigation.”
According to the statement, the zoo also launched an internal review. After speaking with police and other staff members, leaders decided to terminate the employee “that same day,” D’Arienzo said.
“At John Ball Zoo, we hold all our staff to the highest standards for professional and ethical conduct as part of our mission to ensure our guests and their families have a safe, enjoyable and educational experience at John Ball Zoo,” the statement concluded. “We conduct thorough background checks of every employee and volunteer and take any allegations of misconduct seriously. Any allegations of inappropriate or illegal conduct will be thoroughly investigated consistent with our safety protocols and procedures.”
A probable cause conference is set for September, court documents show.
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