New York athletic club employee charged with secretly recording people in bathrooms

On July 5, 2026, the New Rochelle Police Department in Westchester County, New York, was contacted by the New York Athletic Club after staff discovered a hidden recording device inside a bathroom at one of the club's facilities. The discovery prompted an immediate investigation, during which police identified the device as having been placed by Ryan Mack, a 33-year-old employee from West Nyack. According to authorities, Mack had positioned the device to capture individuals using the toilet without their knowledge or consent. An arrest warrant was issued for Mack, but he had already left the state, traveling to Kansas. He was eventually stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol outside Topeka in mid-July and taken into custody. Mack was subsequently transported back to Westchester County, where he was formally charged with unlawful surveillance in the second degree. He was arraigned on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The investigation has revealed that several victims were recorded, including children, and police believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. As a result, Mack may face further charges as the case continues to develop. The New York Athletic Club, a private social and athletic club with facilities in Manhattan and Westchester County, has not publicly commented on the incident, but the club's cooperation with law enforcement was noted in the police report. The case has raised concerns about privacy and safety in private club settings, and authorities are urging anyone who may have been affected to contact the New Rochelle Police Department. The legal process will now proceed through the Westchester County court system, where Mack will answer to the charges. The severity of the charges reflects the seriousness of the alleged invasion of privacy, especially given the involvement of minors. The police have not released further details about the victims or the specific circumstances of the recordings, but they have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges are possible. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and reporting in cases of hidden surveillance, and it serves as a reminder for institutions to regularly inspect their facilities for such devices. The case has drawn local media attention, and the community has expressed shock and concern over the breach of trust by a club employee. As the legal proceedings unfold, more information is expected to emerge, potentially leading to a clearer picture of the full scope of Mack's alleged actions.