DANVILLE, Va. – Roanoke Attorney Tommy Strelka said Walmart could potentially face charges after a hidden camera was found in a restroom and was not reported to police.
Strelka said the retail giant should have taken preventable steps, and that they should notify people who could have been exposed to the camera that was found Saturday.
“There’s a duty to notify those who could have been harmed or those who could have been harmed,” Strelka said.
10 News received a tip Danville Walmart Management found the mini camera inside the family restroom Saturday, which led to the investigation.
Danville police said a manager found the hidden camera inside the family restroom.
If the retail giant doesn’t address the issue, Strelka said Walmart could open the door for lawsuits.
“The law, creates duties, once they become aware of the situation, very proactive regarding dealing with authorities, law enforcement, the public, the questions are ‘Did they notify everybody, did they seek to find out who used the restrooms?’”
According to a Walmart Management report, the camera was removed, but the same report mentions law enforcement was not notified and that the district-level management was made aware.
Strelka said Walmart could be tried criminally as well.
“Depending upon the degree of neglect or intentional neglect, or intentional ignorance of the situation and the duties they had to do following the situation,” Strelka said.
Walmart sent 10 News a statement after asking if they plan to rectify the situation. In part it reads, “Keeping our customers and associates safe is a top priority. After learning of the situation, we are reviewing and enhancing our protocol.”