Police arrested a South Jersey man who secretly recorded people in public restrooms across New Jersey and Bermuda, authorities said.
Daniel Zhang, 23, of Egg Harbor City, faces 15 counts of invasion of privacy after investigators found over 50 recordings on his phone, Hamilton Township police announced Tuesday. The recordings were taken at Planet Fitness gyms, a Wawa, and various other locations across Mays Landing, Bedford, Egg Harbor City, Medford, and Bermuda.
The investigation began in September 2024 after an incident at a Planet Fitness in Mays Landing, according to police. Zhang was allegedly caught recording a man in the men’s room at the Hamilton Mall shopping center. Witnesses reported seeing two men struggling over a phone, and when police arrived, Zhang admitted to recording the victim. He said he had used the same method of hiding his phone above the stall divider to capture footage of the man.
Zhang later acknowledged recording the same man once before and filming other victims in similar situations. Further investigation revealed an additional 49 videos on his phone, showing numerous unidentified victims.
Authorities said Zhang recorded people in public restrooms at multiple locations, including a Wawa in Egg Harbor City and other Planet Fitness gyms. Some victims appeared in more than one video.
After reviewing the contents of his phone, investigators found videos from Mays Landing, Medford, Egg Harbor City, and Bermuda. Zhang admitted to making these recordings for months.
Zhang was arrested on March 4 and charged with 15 counts of invasion of privacy. The charges are still allegations, and Zhang has not been convicted. He remains in Atlantic County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Planet Fitness declined to comment on the charges against Zhang.
Police urged anyone who may have been affected by Zhang’s actions to come forward. They believe there may be additional victims, and more charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
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