Sikeston man arrested for videotaping man in restroom

SIKESTON -- A Sikeston man was arrested Sunday on suspicion of videotaping men in various stages of undress in a YMCA bathroom.

Earl A. Madison, 19, is charged with three counts of felony invasion of privacy. Invasion of privacy is classified as a class D felony, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years of imprisonment or up to a year in a county jail.

One of the victims reported to Sikeston Department of Public Safety officers he had seen Madison videotape him with a cellphone while he was using the restroom, according to the probable-cause statement from a Sikeston officer.

Officers went to interview Madison and saw videos of men in various stages of undress in the restroom and shower on his cellphone, the report stated.

After Madison was placed under arrest, he told officers he had taken videos of three men he named at the YMCA where he has worked for the past four years, but he said there could have been more he could not remember, the report stated. Madison said the three victims he named were at least 16 years old, but he thought they were closer to 19, according to the report.

Madison gave officers consent to search his room and laptop.

Madison's bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety.

The YMCA officials have alerted its members about the arrest. According to the notification Madison is a part-time employee, who was off duty at the time of the incident.

Officials stated they are in continual communication with Sikeston DPS in order to gather as much information as possible.

"The YMCA prides itself on strengthening our community through our programs and services that are focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We strive each and every day to remain true to our mission and purpose and to have a long-lasting positive impact on the communities we serve. We realize the tremendous responsibility we have, especially considering the number of people who rely on the services we provide," according to the statement. "Most of all, our members and program participants rely on the Y to be a safe place for the youth and families of our community. We have numerous policies and procedures in place to protect members, program participants."