A Massachusetts man contracted to do work on a child care center in Foxboro is accused of hiding recording devices in a bathroom.
Darin McNeil, 48, of East Taunton, pleaded not guilty Monday at his arraignment in Wrentham District Court to unlawful wiretap, possession of a wiretapping device, and attempting to commit a sexual surveillance wiretap.
McNeil was released $2,500 cash bail, ordered to stay away and have no contact with children under 18, and stay away and have no contact with staff and children at the Learning Experience.
Police said on May 18, an employee at the Learning Experience on Main Street called authorities to report a suspicious device in one of the adult bathrooms.
When an officer arrived, a pen-like recording device was discovered.
Following an investigation, police arrested McNeil.
After the arrest, police discovered three other pen-like recording devices, two McNeil was carrying and a third on his clipboard.
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McNeil reportedly told police he put the devices in the bathroom because "he likes to look at women," and denied trying to videotape children.
Police believe the incident was isolated and authorities do not believe there is any threat to the facility or the children.
A spokesperson for the Learning Experience issued a statement saying they are committed to working with police in their investigation and maintaining safety at the facility.
"We are aware of the situation and continue to use every resource at our disposal to assist the local franchisee and work with the authorities in their investigation. No children were affected and we remain committed to their safety and security at all times."
McNeil's employer, Electric by Design LLC, confirms he has been fired. The company's owner says he is deeply troubled by the allegations and is cooperating with police.
National Grid, who hired a contractor that subcontracted Electric by Design, released the following statement:
“National Grid is aware that an employee of one of our subcontractors was involved in an incident that resulted in his arrest on Friday, May 18. We have no greater priority than the safety and security of our customers, and we take this situation very seriously. As a precaution, we have immediately suspended all further work with our contractor pending the completion of a thorough investigation.”
No one answered the door when NBC Boston attempted to reach McNeil at his East Taunton home. The Department of Children and Families has also been contacted because he is a father of two.
Police said they recently held a “See Something, Say Something” event at the daycare facility and are grateful to the employee who noticed the device and quickly reported it.
