A disturbing discovery inside an Oklahoma City news station has led to the arrest of a longtime employee accused of secretly recording people in private spaces.
Police say 40-year-old Darrell Vannostran was taken into custody after hidden cameras were found inside dressing rooms at KWTV News 9.
According to investigators, janitorial staff made the shocking find late last month while cleaning the studio, which is owned by Griffin Media. The cameras were allegedly concealed under clothing racks using Velcro and powered by portable battery packs.
Police say the devices were placed in areas where people had a clear expectation of privacy, including spaces used by on-air talent and guests preparing for appearances. The station is home to several female anchors and meteorologists, raising serious concerns about who may have been targeted.
Authorities say they recovered footage from the cameras and believe multiple victims were recorded in various stages of undress, though an exact number has not been released.
During the investigation, detectives reportedly determined that Vannostran was present in the building each time the cameras were moved or repositioned. They also allege that images from the recordings were found stored on his personal electronic devices.
Vannostran, who supervised photography and videography staff at the station, was arrested on April 21 and charged with using photo equipment in a clandestine manner in a private place, a felony.
Records show he was initially held on a $25,000 bond but has since posted bail. It’s not yet clear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney.
In a statement, Griffin Media confirmed an employee’s arrest and said protecting staff safety and privacy was their top priority, which is why they contacted police immediately after the cameras were discovered.
Adding to the shock, Vannostran had recently received multiple Heartland Emmy Awards for his work as a photographer and editor.