Recording device found in restroom at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands; employee terminated

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a recording device was found in a restroom at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, and they are searching for anyone who believes they may be a victim.

Recording device found in restroom

What we know:

According to the sheriff’s office, an employee alerted administrators on Aug. 22 that they found a recording device in a unisex restroom. Administrators notified law enforcement.

The device was turned over to the sheriff’s office’s Major Crimes Unit, and they are investigating.

"Memorial Hermann is fully cooperating with the MCSO Major Crimes Unit during this investigation. In addition to assisting law enforcement, the hospital has initiated a thorough search for any other devices that may have been installed within the facility," the sheriff’s office wrote in a news release.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not identified the person who put the device in the restroom.

What they're saying:

In a statement on Monday, Memorial Hermann said, "We are aware of deeply concerning information regarding unacceptable behavior by an employee at our Woodlands campus. The employee has been terminated. Upon discovery, we took swift action and engaged the appropriate authorities. Our System has zero tolerance for such conduct, and we take these matters very seriously. The safety and privacy of our workforce, patients and visitors are our top priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement’s investigation and cannot comment further at this time."

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office released the following statement on Tuesday: "Thank you for your questions and for your patience. We understand the community's interest in this case and are committed to keeping you and the public informed as much as possible.

As this is an active and ongoing investigation, we are limited in what information we can release publicly. Here is what we can share at this time:

Person of Interest: We can confirm that there is a person of interest in this case. However, we cannot release their identity at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation. We will release more information if an arrest is made in this investigation. 

Cameras Discovered: We can confirm that more than one camera was found. Detectives are still actively collecting and processing all evidence, so we cannot provide a specific number or exact locations at this point.

Victim Information: Our priority is to identify and assist any victims. We are currently working to process all video evidence to determine if there are recordings of victims, including minors, and if so, during what date range the devices were operational. This information is critical for us to effectively locate and help any victims.

Collaboration: We are working closely with the District Attorney's Office and are in constant collaboration with them as we process the evidence and prepare for the next steps in this case. Memorial Hermann continues to fully cooperate with this investigation.

We will continue to provide updates as this case develops. Thank you for your continued partnership.

Scott Spencer, Lieutenant, Staff Services Division, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office."

Investigation continues

What's next:

The investigation is ongoing. The sheriff’s office says it will provide updates as more information becomes available, including the timeframe the device was in the restroom and information that can help identify victims.

What you can do:

If you think you might be a victim of the recording, email mhtwtips@mctx.org with your name and reliable contact information so detectives can easily reach you.