A Manhattan man was ordered not to have any contact with children after appearing Thursday in Will County court on allegations he recorded both children and adults in a bathroom during a New Year’s Eve party.
Manhattan police arrested Jonathan Wisniewski, 44, of the 24400 block of Arrowhead Drive, Wednesday after responding to a report that alleged a concealed camera was discovered during the party in an inconspicuous location inside the bathroom. Police search the home after obtaining a warrant last month.
Wisniewski is charged with 14 counts of unauthorized video recording of both minor children and adults without their knowledge or consent. Nine counts were related to recording children while five counts were adult victims, which are both felonies, Manhattan police said.
Manhattan police Chief Ryan Gulli said more than 20 people attended the party, but he was not sure what the age ranges of the guests were. While police do not know Wisniewski’s intent, it is presumed that Wisniewski was attempting to record anyone who was using the bathroom, Gulli said.
People who attended the party can come forward to police to help with the prosecution or to get resources and victim assistance, Gulli said. He said the Police Department offers services to help victims.
Police had not had any past contact with Wisniewski, Gulli said.
Wisniewski made a brief appearance in court Thursday. The charges are not detainable under the Illinois SAFE-T Act. At the request of prosecutors, Wisniewski was ordered not to have any contact with children or leave Illinois. A court date was set for Feb. 26.
Gulli said that he believes this is a problem with the SAFE-T Act because it can be traumatic for the victims again.
“It’s a serious crime,” he said. “This is a serious violation of people’s privacy.”
Wisniewski’s attorney, David Gaeger, declined comment.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
