Chiropractor Jailed for Bathroom Spy Camera Violations

ByEthan Pineridge

A Livingston chiropractor has been sentenced to 90 days in county jail after pleading guilty to multiple counts of invasion of privacy for placing a hidden camera in his office bathroom. Gary Hecht, 55, will also serve five years of probation following his release, according to Union County authorities.

Superior Court Judge Richard Wischusen handed down the sentence on Friday, marking the conclusion of a case that began in May 2024 when the hidden recording device was discovered at Hecht Chiropractic Office in Springfield. The sentence reflects the serious nature of privacy violations in professional healthcare settings where patients and staff expect a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Photo Source: DepositPhotos

Camera Discovery Led to Multiple Charges

According to New Jersey 101.5, Springfield police initiated their investigation after receiving a report about a hidden camera found in a bathroom at 201 Mountain Avenue, where Hecht operated his chiropractic practice. The subsequent investigation led to Hecht being charged with multiple counts of invasion of privacy.

Union County Prosecutor William Daniel confirmed that all individuals who were victimized by the hidden camera were identified during the investigation, though authorities have not disclosed exactly how many people were affected. The prosecutor’s office also did not reveal how long the camera had been in place before its discovery.

Hecht entered a guilty plea in January to six counts of third-degree invasion of privacy, according to My Central Jersey. The plea agreement resulted in the 90-day jail sentence rather than potential longer incarceration that could have resulted from a trial conviction.

Breach of Professional Trust

The case highlights the particularly troubling nature of privacy violations that occur in professional healthcare settings. Chiropractors, like other healthcare providers, are entrusted with access to patients’ bodies and private spaces, making violations of this trust especially concerning.

“People visiting healthcare providers are often in vulnerable positions, both physically and emotionally,” said Dr. Eleanor Rigby, a medical ethics consultant not affiliated with the case. “When that trust is broken through voyeuristic behavior, it represents not just a legal violation but a profound ethical breach that can cause lasting psychological harm to victims.”

Legal experts note that invasion of privacy cases in professional settings often result in penalties beyond criminal sentences. “In addition to criminal penalties, healthcare professionals found guilty of such violations typically face disciplinary action from licensing boards, civil lawsuits from victims, and permanent damage to their professional reputation,” said James Marshall, a privacy law attorney based in New Jersey.

Prosecutor Emphasizes Message to Community

In his statement following the sentencing, Prosecutor Daniel emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for privacy violations. “Invasion of privacy is a violation of an individual’s fundamental right to privacy and security,” Daniel said. “This sentence sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated in our community.”

The 90-day county jail sentence will be followed by five years of probation, during which Hecht will likely face restrictions on his professional activities and undergo monitoring. The New Jersey Board of Chiropractic Examiners has not yet announced what disciplinary actions it may take regarding Hecht’s professional license.

Photo Source: DepositPhotos

Growing Concern Over Hidden Cameras

Privacy advocates note that the increasing availability of small, inexpensive cameras has led to a rise in voyeurism cases across the country. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, reports of video voyeurism have increased significantly over the past decade as technology has made cameras smaller, cheaper, and easier to conceal.

“Unfortunately, these types of privacy violations are becoming more common as the technology becomes more accessible,” said Patricia Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. “We advise people to be vigilant in spaces where privacy is expected, including bathrooms, changing rooms, hotel rooms, and rental properties.”

Experts recommend being aware of unusual objects in private spaces, looking for small holes in walls or ceilings, and checking for hidden devices in items like smoke detectors, air fresheners, or electrical outlets that seem out of place.

Hecht is expected to begin serving his jail sentence immediately, with credit for any time already served since his arrest. Court records do not indicate whether he plans to return to his chiropractic practice following completion of his sentence.

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