West Virginia dentist turns himself in after employees allegedly find a water bottle containing a hidden camera in bathroom

WEIRTON, W.Va. ( WTRF ) – A West Virginia dentist has turned himself in after employees allegedly said they found a water bottle containing a hidden surveillance camera.

Weirton police say an employee with Crow Dental Associates reported to the police that she found a water bottle containing a hidden surveillance camera in the staff only bathroom on May 14.

“Our detectives conducted a thorough investigation, working very closely with the Brook County prosecutor’s office, because this is where the crime occurred. They had to go through a lot of evidence and talk to a lot of people. So, it did take time. But we feel very confident in the warrants that were obtained.”

Chief Charlie Kush | Weirton Police Department

During the nearly three-month investigation by Weirton Police Department detectives, at least 10 female employees said they saw the same water bottle device in the bathroom.

Chief Kush says he understands this comes as a shock to the community and the patients under the care of Crow Dental Associates.

“We don’t have any current evidence that there were any surveillance cameras or anything of that nature placed into the bathroom for the patients, for the public.”

Chief Charlie Kush | Weirton Police Department

On Monday, August 12, Dr. Jeremy Michael Crow, 45-years-old of Washington Pa., turned himself into the Weirton Police Department and was charged with 39 misdemeanor counts of Criminal Invasion of Privacy.

If found guilty, he faces up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine for each count.

Dr. Crow was arraigned at the Hancock County Magistrate Court and released on $20,000 bond.

Although the alleged crimes took place in Brooke County, Crow was arrested in Hancock, which means his arraignment had to happen there as well, according to Chief Kush.

The case is being handled by the Brooke County Prosecutor and a pre-trial hearing is expected to be scheduled within the next two weeks.

Chief Kush tells 7News many community members are concerned about the charges only being misdemeanors and not felonies. He says it’s West Virginia law and this is the harshest punishment for the crimes Dr. Crow allegedly committed.

7News received a statement from Robert McCoid, Dr. Crow’s lawyer Monday afternoon.

“Upon reviewing the criminal complaints charging Dr. Crow with misdemeanor offenses, we have concluded that the government’s case is thin soup at best.  We are eager to test the prosecution’s evidence in the courtroom and look forward to his acquittal before a jury of his peers.  In the meantime, Dr. Crow will continue as usual to provide the top-flight dental care to his patients that they have grown to expect and appreciate.”

Robert McCoid- Dr. Crow’s lawyer

Dr. Crow’s office is currently closed for vacation but is expected to be open on Tuesday at 8 am.

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