Man placed hidden camera in West Des Moines Target changing room, police say

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (WHO) — A Johnston man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly placing a digital camera, disguised as a pen, in the dressing room of a West Des Moines Target store.

Blake Devens, 25, was booked into the Polk County Jail just before 6:00 p.m. on one charge of camera/electronic surveillance devices – trespass 1st offense. He was released a few hours later.

The criminal complaint filed in the case says Devens entered a changing room at the Target at 5405 Mills Civic Parkway on June 2nd just before 1:00 p.m. and placed a “digital audio and video recording device, disguised as an ink pen, on the bench.” The complaint said Devens also tried to put another device under the mirror but decided not to “likely due to its conspicuous placement.”

Sgt. Adam Porath, of the West Des Moines Police Department, said the investigation began when Target’s loss prevention personnel discovered the “pen” in a routine sweep of the changing room. The “pen” didn’t look right and it was taken apart — leading to the discovery that it was a recording device.

Devens’ next court appearance is scheduled for July 5th.

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