A 25-year-old man has been arrested in Hermosa Beach for allegedly placing hidden cameras in a dance studio bathroom used by students. Jourdyn Godoy, a former employee of the Hermosa School of Dance & Music, faces serious charges, including felony possession of child pornography and criminal invasion of privacy.
The investigation began when a parent discovered the cameras on May 3. The parent turned off the devices and promptly contacted the police. Officers responded quickly and found multiple hidden cameras inside wicker baskets in the restroom, which is used by students aged 2 to 18, as well as their parents and staff.
Godoy has been charged with several offenses, including annoying or molesting a child. He is currently being held on $100,000 bail. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office is handling the case, and a legal representative for Godoy has not yet been identified.
The owners of the dance school expressed their gratitude to local law enforcement for their swift action. They stated that they had identified Godoy as a potential suspect within the first 24 hours of the investigation. In light of the incident, the school has taken measures to enhance safety, including installing security cameras and hiring a security company to inspect their facilities.
This troubling situation has understandably caused concern among parents and students, leading some to reconsider their involvement with the school. The owners reassured the community that they are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all students. They emphasized that the individual involved was a former front desk staff member with no prior criminal history.
As the investigation continues, the Hermosa Beach Police Department remains dedicated to addressing this serious violation of trust and ensuring the safety of the community.