Chiropractor Arraigned in Connection with Allegedly Placing Secret Camera in Bathroom of Peabody Office

PEABODY – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Peabody Chief of Police Thomas Griffin have confirmed that Scott Kline, 44 of Middleton, was arraigned yesterday in Peabody District Court on the charge of photographing an unsuspecting nude person in connection with allegations that he placed a hidden camera in the bathroom of his Peabody Chiropractic business, Back on Track.

On July 14, 2023, Peabody police were contacted by a patient of the defendant who reported that while at Back on Track earlier that day he was using the public bathroom located in the office when he observed a black plastic coat hook hanging on the wall next to the toilet tank that looked out of place.  Upon further inspection the patient observed a blue light on the side of the hanger and discovered that it appeared to be a hidden spy camera complete with a lens on the front, USB port, on/off switch and an SD memory card. The victim also documented what he observed on his personal cell phone and provided that to police.

A search warrant was subsequently granted and executed at the practice, and while the camera was no longer in the bathroom, police were able to find evidence suggesting it had previously been in place.  Police were also able to locate several pieces of digital evidence including hard drives and SD cards.

At arraignment bail was set at $10,000 and the defendant was ordered to stay away from and have no contact with the reporting party.  Following the arraignment this case was referred by the Essex District Attorney’s Office to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The next date in this case is August 29, for a pretrial conference that will be handled by a Middlesex County prosecutor in Peabody District Court. The Mass Licensing Board governing chiropractors has also been notified.

Investigators assigned to this case are actively processing evidence recovered and working to identify potential victims.  Patients or any other member of the public who believes they may be a victim or who has any information about this case should contact Peabody Police at 978-538-6300 / 978-531-1212.

This case is being investigated by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Peabody Police with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police.