A paramedic from Bartow County has been charged with 40 counts of unlawful surveillance after being accused of secretly installing a hidden camera in a restroom at his workplace. The man, identified as 50-year-old James Burton Crawford, allegedly placed the camera in the employee restroom at the Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service’s satellite office in Adairsville, Georgia. The reported incidents took place between June and August 2023 and have now sparked major concerns about privacy and security in the workplace.

The matter came to light on October 9, 2023, when a fellow employee noticed something strange about a clock hanging in the restroom. The paramedic who found it thought the clock looked out of place and suspicious. On closer inspection, it turned out to be more than just a timepiece. It was actually a hidden camera device with an SD card slot, cleverly disguised as a regular wall clock.

The employee immediately informed higher authorities at the workplace, and the police were called in to investigate the matter. The Adairsville Police Department took over the case and began a formal investigation to determine the extent of the surveillance and identify those responsible.

According to reports from FOX 5 Atlanta and Coosa Valley News, the SD card inside the camera was examined by the company’s IT department. The content retrieved from the card was troubling. It showed clear footage of James Burton Crawford placing the camera in the restroom and adjusting it multiple times to capture different angles. The footage also captured several other employees unknowingly using the restroom while being recorded, making them victims of illegal surveillance.

So far, 14 victims have been confirmed from the footage. These are people who had no idea they were being recorded during their private moments at work. Authorities have stated that the number could rise as the investigation continues and more footage is reviewed. All individuals captured in the recordings are being treated as victims in this case.

The police acted quickly after confirming Crawford’s involvement and arrested him on charges of unlawful eavesdropping and surveillance. He was taken to the Bartow County Jail and later released on a $50,000 bond. While he is now out on bail, the legal case against him is ongoing, and he may face serious consequences if found guilty.

Many people have been shocked and disturbed by the fact that a paramedic—a person trusted with saving lives—could be accused of such a serious violation of privacy. The incident has also sparked fear among coworkers who used the same restroom, as they now worry about whether they were recorded and if the footage could be misused.

Investigators are currently working to identify every individual featured in the recordings. Authorities have requested that anyone who used the restroom at the Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service satellite office between June and August 2023 come forward if they have any concerns or believe they may be among the victims.

So far, no information has been provided about Crawford’s motive for placing the camera. Police have not found evidence that the footage was shared online or distributed, but the full analysis of the content is still underway. Officials say that all video evidence will be handled securely and only used for the legal proceedings.

While the company has not made a detailed public statement, it has confirmed full cooperation with the police investigation. Management at the Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service has also assured employees that appropriate safety and surveillance measures will be reviewed and improved to prevent such incidents in the future.

The story has made headlines across Georgia and raised awareness about workplace safety and privacy rights. Employees across the region are now being encouraged to stay alert and report anything unusual in their work environments. Experts believe that this incident could lead to tighter security policies across many organizations, especially those where people expect high levels of trust and confidentiality, like healthcare and emergency services.

For now, James Burton Crawford remains a free man on bond, but the charges against him are very serious. Unlawful surveillance is a criminal offense, especially when it involves secret recordings in private spaces like restrooms. Legal experts suggest that if convicted, Crawford could face heavy penalties, including jail time and permanent damage to his professional reputation.

What makes the case more concerning is the fact that it reportedly went on for nearly three months before being discovered. The camera was active long enough to capture dozens of hours of footage, making it one of the more severe cases of workplace surveillance abuse in recent times. The delay in detection has raised further questions about the security protocols in place and whether other similar incidents may have gone unnoticed in the past.

Law enforcement agencies are now taking the case very seriously. Investigators are also looking into whether similar devices were used elsewhere in the facility or if this was an isolated incident. A thorough sweep of the office space was reportedly conducted to ensure no other hidden cameras were in use.

This case is not just about one individual—it has brought attention to the larger issue of workplace privacy and how it can be easily violated if proper safeguards are not in place. It also highlights the role of alert employees who notice small details and take action. Without the quick response of the coworker who spotted the hidden camera, this situation might have continued undetected for even longer.

As the legal process continues, the victims and their families are left waiting for justice. Many are still coming to terms with the violation of their privacy and the fear that comes with being recorded without consent. Support is being provided to the affected individuals, and counseling resources have reportedly been offered by the company to those impacted.

In the coming weeks, the court is expected to hold preliminary hearings to assess the evidence and determine how the case will proceed. If new charges emerge or additional victims are identified, the case may grow even further. For now, all eyes are on the legal system to ensure that justice is served.

This incident has shaken the trust of employees at Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service and will likely leave a lasting impact on how such organizations address internal safety and surveillance moving forward. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in trusted environments, vigilance is necessary to protect everyone’s right to privacy.