A former California State Parks superintendent has been charged with secretly recording lifeguards in a men's locker room at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Kevin Pearsall, 59, was arrested on felony eavesdropping charges and misdemeanor counts of unlawful recording and dissemination of private images. Prosecutors allege he placed hidden cameras in the locker room, capturing at least 23 victims, including seasonal lifeguards as young as 15, over an 11-month period starting in August 2022.
Pearsall turned himself in on Tuesday amid a $500,000 arrest warrant but was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court in August. If convicted, he could face nearly 19 years in prison.
Civil Lawsuit Filed
At least one victim, an unnamed lifeguard, has filed a civil lawsuit against Pearsall and the California Department of State Parks, alleging sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and failure to prevent illegal behavior. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress and punitive damages.
State Parks Response
California State Parks has stated it takes the allegations seriously and has fully cooperated with law enforcement. The agency requested an investigation by the California Highway Patrol after being alerted to the criminal allegations. Pearsall, who had worked for the department since 1994, retired shortly after the investigation began.
Investigation Details
Authorities said the locker room was accessible only to full-time personnel and seasonal lifeguards. The recordings allegedly took place at the Bolsa Chica State Beach Lifeguard Headquarters. The lawsuit claims the cameras may have been installed as early as 2019.