A disturbing case from Long Island reveals how a hospital worker secretly filmed 13,000 people using spy cameras hidden in smoke detectors
Chilling Case of a Hospital Worker – In a case that has shocked both the medical community and the public at large, Sanjai Syamaprasad, a 48-year-old hospital worker of Indian origin, pleaded guilty to secretly recording thousands of patients and staff members in restrooms at a Long Island sleep center. The method? A spy camera disguised as a smoke detector, installed in nine bathrooms over the course of nearly two years. The scale of the violation, estimated to have affected over 13,000 individuals, has sparked outrage, legal action, and a broader conversation about privacy, surveillance, and institutional accountability.
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The Setting: A Place of Healing Turned Into a Site of Exploitation
Syamaprasad worked as a sleep technician at Northwell Health’s Sleep Disorders and STARS Rehabilitation Center in Manhasset, New York. His role involved overnight shifts, a time when facilities are quieter and less monitored. It was during these hours that he allegedly installed Velcro patches in bathrooms to mount hidden cameras disguised as smoke detectors—strategically positioned to capture footage of toilets and showers.
The recordings, which spanned from August 2022 to April 2024, were discovered when a coworker caught Syamaprasad watching bathroom footage on his phone during a shift. He was immediately fired, and law enforcement was notified.
The Evidence: Thousands of Videos, Only Five Charges
Investigators recovered over 300 videos, many of which captured intimate body parts of unsuspecting individuals. However, due to the difficulty in identifying victims, charges were filed for only five people, including a child. This has led to widespread frustration among victims and legal experts, who argue that the scope of the crime far exceeds the charges brought.
Attorney John Rubenstein, representing victims in a class-action lawsuit, estimates that 13,000 letters were sent to potentially affected individuals. Many victims have expressed fear, disgust, and a loss of trust in public institutions.
The Legal Outcome: Probation, Not Prison
Despite the gravity of the offense, Judge Meryl Berkowitz sentenced Syamaprasad to five years of probation and required him to register as a sex offender. The decision was based on his guilty plea, expressed remorse, and completion of a rehabilitation program.
This outcome has been met with “disappointment and disgust” from Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, who had recommended one to three years of jail time per count. She stated:
“This was a massive, massive violation of people’s privacy and rights. It wasn’t a one-off—it was night after night, victim after victim.”
The Psychological Toll: Victims Speak Out
One of the victims, Brenda Pellettieri, a former employee at the sleep center, described the emotional aftermath:
“It’s really destroyed my faith in humanity. You don’t trust people. I just feel so disgusted that I was videotaped. It affected my life in ways that I can’t even tell you.”
Many victims now report anxiety around using public restrooms or changing rooms. The trauma of being unknowingly recorded in a vulnerable state has left lasting scars.
Institutional Accountability: Is Northwell Health to Blame?
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against both Syamaprasad and Northwell Health, alleging negligence. Critics argue that the hospital failed to detect the surveillance operation for nearly two years, despite the presence of Velcro patches and disguised devices in multiple restrooms.
Northwell Health responded by stating:
“We immediately revoked that individual’s access to our premises, reported him to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, and have fully cooperated with the DA’s Office. Safeguarding the privacy of our patients and employees will always remain a high priority.”
Still, questions remain: How did such a breach go unnoticed for so long? Were there no routine inspections? And why were patients only notified a year after the recordings were discovered?
Surveillance Culture: A Growing Threat
This case is not isolated. Hidden cameras in restrooms, changing rooms, and hotel rooms have become an alarming trend. The accessibility of covert recording devices often disguised as smoke detectors, USB chargers, or even light bulbs—has made it easier for individuals to violate privacy without detection.
Experts warn that surveillance culture, when unchecked, can erode trust in public spaces. Hospitals, schools, and workplaces must now consider privacy audits and routine inspections as part of their safety protocols.
Public Reaction: Outrage and Calls for Reform
The public response has been swift and furious. Social media platforms are flooded with calls for stricter penalties, better institutional oversight, and more robust privacy laws. Many argue that probation is a slap on the wrist for a crime that affected thousands.
Some have called for:
- Mandatory jail time for unlawful surveillance involving minors or healthcare settings.
- Stricter vetting of hospital staff and contractors.
- Real-time reporting systems for suspicious activity in sensitive areas.
The Chilling Case of a Hospital Worker – What Comes Next?
Syamaprasad is due back in court on September 15, 2025, when final sentencing will be formalized. Victims and their attorneys will have the opportunity to speak, and many hope the judge will reconsider the leniency of the initial sentence.
Meanwhile, the class-action lawsuit against Northwell Health continues, with plaintiffs seeking damages and institutional reform.
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Privacy Protection
The case of Sanjai Syamaprasad is a harrowing reminder of how easily trust can be broken and how difficult it is to restore. In a place meant for healing, thousands were violated. And while the legal system has responded, many feel justice remains elusive.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call for hospitals, employers, and lawmakers. Privacy is not a luxury—it’s a right. And when that right is stripped away, the consequences ripple far beyond the walls of a restroom.
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