Veterans Affairs Employee Caught Recording Co-Workers in Bathroom

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Robert Sampson, 52, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, has pleaded guilty to charges of Video Voyeurism and Disorderly Conduct in a shocking case of workplace espionage. The disturbing incident took place at the Veterans Affairs Joint Ambulatory Care Center in Pensacola, Florida.

According to court records, Sampson surreptitiously videoed eight fellow VA employees using a hidden recording device that he placed in a restroom at the facility on multiple occasions from August 2019 to June 2020. The device was disguised to look like a cell phone charger power adapter.

When VA employees discovered the recording device and notified the VA Police, Sampson attempted to wrestle the employees for control of the device. Sampson later admitted that he had placed the device in the restroom to record individuals in the restroom and would later watch the footage.

Acting United States Attorney Jason R. Coody stated, “The victims in this case perform an incredible service to our retired and disabled military community and they should feel safe and have their privacy respected in their work environment.” Coody applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs Police and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General for their thorough investigation into the crime.

Sampson pled guilty as charged. The facts introduced at the time of the plea revealed that Sampson admitted to placing a hidden camera in the restroom approximately 17 times.

Sampson faces up to one year of imprisonment on the Video Voyeurism Count, and up to six months imprisonment for the Disorderly Conduct Count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 19, 2021, at 2:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable Elizabeth M. Timothy.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Kalayjian, a member of the United States Navy JAG Corps.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need for employers to ensure that their employees feel secure in their work environments.

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