HOUSTON – Harris Health System patient care assistant Todd Patrick West, accused of illegally recording a nude patient inside Ben Taub Hospital, was back in court Thursday morning.
West, charged with improper photography, faced a judge, so that his case can move forward.
Officials said a recording device was found inside a box of latex gloves in a bathroom at the hospital on May 6.
West admitted to his supervisor, Margaret Grue, that he put the device in the bathroom, investigators said.
Officials said an officer downloaded the video but the camera wasn't able to record any activity inside the bathroom. However, on April 17, officials found a recording of a young, nude female patient at the hospital, who was getting ready to take a shower in a patient's room.
An officer who spoke with West said that he admitted the device belonged to him, and that he made the recordings.
Officials identified and interviewed the 22-year-old patient. She told police she did not give anyone permission to record her in the bathroom.
West, who resigned on May 10, faces charges of improper photography inside a bathroom or changing room and improper photography or visual recording.
West began working for the Harris Health System on June 16, 2003.
His next court is scheduled for Nov. 10.