Man Accused of Recording People in Men’s Locker Room Is Nowhere to be Found

For two years, there has been nothing going on in a court case where Peng Dong, a former member of the Wisconsin Athletic Club, was accused of recording people in the men’s locker room without consent with a camera camouflaged in a coffee cup.

There are two cases filed, one Milwaukee County and the other in Waukesha. Both stalled since Dong’s whereabouts are unknown.

“He is in warrant,” Samuel Tufford, Milwaukee County assistant district attorney said.  “We do not know where he is at. He left.”

The 35-year-old is facing 15 counts of capture of an intimate representation without consent in Milwaukee County, facing a total of 52-and-a-half years in prison and $150,000, or both, according to the criminal complaint.

Since the case involves a felony, Peng Dong can be extradited if found outside of Wisconsin.

“He’s got to be here to charge him,” Tufford said.

In Waukesha County, Dong has one count of capture of an intimate representation without consent which is 3-and-a-half years and $10,000, according to the criminal complaint.

There was no comment from Michael Thurston, Waukesha Country assistant district attorney overseeing the case at the time of interviewing for this story. He has since left the office.

In the criminal complaint from Waukesha County, the document describes a scene in the men’s locker room.

“The defendant was pleading with a witness to return the coffee cup to him,” the complaint says.

Officers spoke to a few witnesses.

“Officer Reinhold spoke to Victim A on scene, who stated he had seen the defendant before and recognized him not only by his appearance, but also from his peculiar behavior,” the complaint says.

“Victim A elaborated that he has observed the defendant manipulate his backpack, gently and precisely, and then walk away from it,” the complaint describes. “Victim A stated that others secure their valuables in their lockers.”

“Victim A stated on the above date, he looked closer at the defendant’s backpack and the coffee cup that was in the outside sleeve,” the complaint described.

“Victim A observed what he thought at first were water drops, but as he got closer he saw the drops were actually circular holes, one of which had a camera lens,” the complaint states. “When asked how he was certain it was a camera lens, Victim A replied he picked up the cup, removed the lid, and observed the cup contained electronics. Victim A stated that after he discovered the camera, the defendant kept coming towards him trying to grab the cup lid.”

“Victim A stated he did not give the defendant consent to capture video of him.”

Back in 2022, members and staff of all WAC locations were informed of the incident in an email which said in part:

“We are informing you of an ongoing investigation at the Wisconsin Athletic Club that has led to criminal charges,” the email stated.

“On December 24, 2021, the staff of the Wisconsin Athletic Club – Brookfield contacted the Town of Brookfield Police Department because of suspicious behavior of a member,” the email said. “Law enforcement opened an investigation of the incident.”

“The suspect has been arrested and charged with video recording individuals in the men’s locker room,” the email continued. “The Wisconsin Athletic Club has provided information and assistance during this ongoing investigation. This investigation has involved law enforcement from the Town of Brookfield, City of Wauwatosa, City of Milwaukee and City of Glendale.”

“Any questions relating to the ongoing investigation should be directed to local law enforcement,” the email suggested.

“The Wisconsin Athletic Club takes the safety of their members very seriously. It is clearly stated in our clubs that the use of video is prohibited in our locker rooms and is subject to state and local law,” the email said.

“We are saddened that this took place and have a zero-tolerance policy for these actions and misconduct,” the email concludes.