Suspect Allegedly Filmed Dozens of Women Nude at Arroyo Grande Gym

Police seek to identify additional victims after discovering over 50 secret recordings at Planet Fitness.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:55am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a hidden camera lens, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of the gritty, investigative nature of this crime.A hidden camera lens, exposed through a police investigation, serves as a stark reminder of the violation of privacy and trust that occurred at this local gym.San Luis Obispo Today

A male suspect has been accused of secretly recording nearly 50 women nude or partially nude inside the tanning and red-light therapy rooms of an Arroyo Grande gym. Police served search warrants, seized electronic devices, and discovered evidence of over 50 videos spanning from January to December 2025. Investigators are working to identify additional victims and encourage any female who used the gym's facilities last year to come forward.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of voyeurism and the violation of privacy, especially in public spaces like gyms that are meant to be safe havens for self-care and wellness. It raises concerns about security measures and the need for greater protections for gym members, particularly women, against hidden cameras and unauthorized recordings.

The details

On December 29, 2025, officers responded to a report of a male suspect caught recording a female who was partially nude in a tanning booth at the Planet Fitness gym in Arroyo Grande. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. Investigators were able to identify the suspect through witness statements and surveillance footage. A search of the suspect's home uncovered electronic devices that contained over 50 videos showing female gym members nude or partially nude in the tanning and red-light therapy rooms, dating back to January 2025.

  • On December 29, 2025, officers responded to the initial report of the suspect at Planet Fitness.
  • The recordings spanned from January 2025 to December 2025.

The players

Arroyo Grande Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the case and seeking to identify additional victims.

Planet Fitness

The gym in Arroyo Grande where the alleged secret recordings took place.

Officer Brandon Earnest

The Arroyo Grande Police Officer leading the investigation and encouraging victims to come forward.

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What they’re saying

“Investigators encourage any female who used the tanning or red-light therapy rooms at Planet Fitness in 2025 to contact Arroyo Grande Police Officer Brandon Earnest at (805) 473-5110 ext. 7021 or via email at bearnest@arroyogrande.org.”

— Officer Brandon Earnest, Arroyo Grande Police Officer

What’s next

Police are working to identify additional victims and encourage any women who used the Planet Fitness facilities in 2025 to come forward with information.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for improved security measures and stronger privacy protections in public spaces like gyms to prevent such egregious violations of trust and personal dignity. It also underscores the importance of victims feeling empowered to report these crimes so that perpetrators can be held accountable.