Man convicted in illicit photo case

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A Minnesota man entered a deferred judgment agreement on a no-contest plea to capturing nude images without consent.

Joseph Donald Hawthorne, 24, St. Paul, pleaded no contest the felony charge and no contest to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge Aug. 18. Judge Eric J. Lundell accepted a two-year deferred agreement on the felony charge and sentenced Hawthorne to probation for one year on the misdemeanor charge. He was ordered to pay $390.50 court costs.

The criminal complaint said on Feb. 18, Hawthorne set up a tiny pen camera in a Hudson residential bathroom aimed at the shower to take nude images of female residents. A piece of tape covered the flashing light when the camera was in operation.

Hawthorne was a friend of the women who was visiting for the night. Police collected five videos off the camera.

The court ordered all videos or photos on file to be sealed. Hawthorne was also ordered to write an apology to the victim within 30 days.

Court records said if he successfully completes the terms of the agreement, the charge will be dismissed.

Tags: crimes and court, news, minnesota