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Police: Secret camera found at Charlotte dentist's office

Patients’ privacy was violated at a Charlotte dentist’s office after a secret camera was found set up where inappropriate photos could be taken.

The staff made the discovery Thursday.

Police are now trying to figure out who installed the camera at Phillippi and Kwon Family Dentistry on East W.T. Harris Boulevard.

The officer is normally closed on Fridays so Channel 9 talked to Dr. Phillippi, who is upset by the situation, by phone.

He is eager to find out who put the camera in the office and if anything was captured on it.

Doctors wouldn't say where it was found, but said they think someone put it there intentionally.

Police said it was in a place to record underneath and through people’s clothing.

"You just never know what's going to happen,” said Paul Gentlilini, the owner of Green Branch, which is next door.

"I don't know what would motivate you to do something like that," said Travis Newton.

It bothers them that it happened to unsuspecting business owners next door.
         
They wonder if any images were captured and uploaded without anyone knowing.

"Wi-Fi in every office all the time, it opens up the doors for people with criminal minds,” said Gentlilini.

“They put it on Facebook. They put it on social media,” Newton said.

Police are taking a closer look at the camera to see if it may provide any leads to find the person responsible.

"If it turns out to be true that someone brought a camera in there then they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Newton said.

If someone is found guilty of this type of crime they could face up to 20 months in prison.