Man faces 16 counts of voyeurism

A man arrested in Green River Friday had his bond set at $25,000 cash or surety after being charged with 16 counts of felony voyeurism.

Ryan Flaten, 28, is in the Sweetater County Detention Center following his arrest. While voyeurism is often a misdemeanor charge, it becomes a felony when a camera or other recording device is used in the crime. Each felony count carries with it a penalty of not more than two years in prison and a potential fine of not more than $5,000.

Flaten was also arrested in Lyman on Nov. 17, 2017, and charged with voyeurism after a video camera was discovered hidden in a public restroom at the Maverick Country Store in Lyman. According to the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, during their investigation, the Lyman Police Department searched Flaten’s Lyman residence and found evidence of voyeuristic activities occurring in Sweetwater County and contacted Sgt. Rich Fischer of the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, who then launched an independent investigation.

The sheriff’s office alleges it has tied Flaten to video cameras hidden in a changing room at Goodwill on Dewar Drive, a restroom at Solvay Chemicals and to video footage taken of women inside residences throughout Green River.

Flaten’s preliminary hearing took place Wednesday in Green River.

Sweetwater County Sheriff Mike Lowell said the investigation continues and anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Fischer through the Sweetwater County Combined Communication Center at 875-1400.