Andrea Rose, freshman political science major, points to where a camera was hidden in a ninth floor Koonce Hall bathroom. LESLIE CUSANO | DAILY KENT STATER

Credit: Steve Schirra

Kent State police are investigating the placement of a camera in a soap dispenser located in a Koonce Hall women’s bathroom. The camera was discovered around 6:30 p.m. Monday on the ninth floor of the building.

Dean of Students Greg Jarvie said the Kent State police searched every bathroom in Koonce Hall Monday after the incident was reported. Every residence hall bathroom was also inspected yesterday morning. He said no other cameras were found during the searches.

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According to an information sheet released yesterday by university media relations, the device was “a small video camera.”

“We have asked the staff and residents to be on heightened alert,” Jarvie said. “If something is found, call the Kent State Police Department.”

Sophomore exploratory major Brittani Johnson first noticed the camera after she saw a red light shining from the empty soap compartment of the plastic dispenser. Another resident of the ninth floor contacted a resident assistant, who removed the device from the dispenser.

Johnson described the camera as small and silver in color, with a short antenna. She said it had been angled to face the middle of the bathroom, in front of the shower.

A report released Tuesday by the Kent State Police Department classified the incident as voyeurism, though a police representative could not be reached for comment.

“It’s a crime, and it’s a criminal investigation,” said Ron Kirksey, executive director of university communications. “It’s being taken very seriously.”

Johnson said she was shocked by the finding.

“I thought it was real disgusting and perverted,” she said.

Other ninth floor residents shared Johnson’s feelings about the incident.

“I feel extremely violated because I’ve been in there,” said Rebecca Kolb, freshman special education major.

Freshman nursing major Courtney Newtown agreed. “Who knows how long that camera was there for?”

Contact public affairs reporter Abbey Stirgwolt at [email protected].