A man accused of secretly filming numerous naked women in a tanning booth at a gym in San Luis Obispo County is currently free on the streets due to California’s relaxed laws.
Kyle L. Combs, 40, from Grover Beach, allegedly took photos of nearly 50 women—either partially or fully nude—in a tanning booth at Planet Fitness in Arroyo Grande from July to December last year, as authorities reported.
The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office announced on Friday that Combs faces 12 misdemeanor charges for invasion of privacy, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The DA’s office emphasized that the public might understandably be frustrated to find out that, under existing California law, allegations of secretly recording women in a private tanning booth are generally treated as misdemeanors unless there are additional factors.
If Combs had been charged with a felony from the outset, he would have been taken into custody right away.
“If the public believes this behavior should be classified as a felony, then the California Legislature should address that,” added the DA.
There is also concern among prosecutors that there could be other occurrences involving Combs recording women at the gym, but unfortunately, the statute of limitations has expired on those instances.
According to reports, police discovered over 50 videos featuring 47 victims stored on Combs’ cell phone. Since April, eight women have filed lawsuits against both Combs and Planet Fitness related to the filming allegations.
One lawsuit claims that Combs was spotted trying to use a cell phone inside a tanning booth and attempting to pick the lock on the locker room door.
Prosecutors are certain Combs used a recording device to film women without their consent in the tanning booth at Planet Fitness.
“The act of secretly filming a naked woman in a tanning booth is a profoundly disturbing violation of her privacy, dignity, and safety,” said Dan Dow, the San Luis Obispo County Attorney. He added that gym-goers should never feel at risk of having their private moments recorded or observed. The office plans to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure perpetrators face consequences and justice is served for all victims.
As of Saturday morning, Combs did not appear on the county’s arrest records. A judge has issued an arrest warrant for him, setting his bail at $50,000.
Dow is urging any other women who have used tanning rooms or red light therapy rooms to come forward and report to the police.
