Lawsuit Continues to Challenge Secret Video Recording of Employees

In April, a Mississippi state court refused to dismiss some of a casino employee’s claims based on secret video surveillance of a casino office.  Kelle Ryan worked for the Island View Casino Resort in Gulfport, Miss., and with other employees, she sometimes used the property’s Player’s Club office to change her clothes.  When she discovered a hidden video camera in that office, she “freak[ed] out,” according to her lawyer.  Security personnel escorted her from the building.  She later was terminated for tampering with casino property.

Judge John Gargiulo of the Mississippi Circuit Court in Gulfport dismissed Ryan’s claim that the casino violated regulations of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, as well as claims for defamation, interference with her employment prospects and negligent hiring of surveillance employees.  He refused to dismiss three other claims, however, for invasion of privacy, emotional distress and lost wages.

The casino’s lawyer stated at the court hearing that the concealed camera was installed in response to concerns about possible drug activity and was in place for only two weeks before Ryan discovered it.  He also said that Ryan did not change her clothes in the office during that period.