Saint Ansgar man arrested for allegedly secretly recording patrons of tanning business

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(ABC 6 News) – A Saint Ansgar, Iowa man who previously pleaded guilty in his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection, was arrested after an ongoing investigation revealed he allegedly recorded patrons of a Clear Lake tanning business without their knowledge or consent.

The Clear Lake Police Department said 52-year-old, Daryl Eugene Johnson, was arrested and charged with invasion of privacy – nudity, and interference with official acts, both misdemeanors.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation regarding a report of Johnson secretly recording patrons in a business in the 500 block of US Hwy 18 East in Clear Lake. Investigators determined a digital recording device was placed by Johnson to intentionally record customers without their knowledge or consent.

“If you’re in like a public restroom or a changing room or any other place like that that you would consider a private place, just be conscious, look around ask questions. If you see something say something. If something seems off usually there is something too that, and it should be investigated formally by law enforcement,” said Clear Lake Police Captain Mike Colby.

A manager at I-Sun Tan said Johnson was a customer, not an employee of the establishment. But police claim he was involved in the business, either as an employee, or type of owner.

Johnson was transported to the Cerro Gordo County Jail following his arrest.

The investigation remains open at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 641‐355‐4405.

In June 2022, Johnson was sentenced to serve one month in jail, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.

Johnson’s son, Daniel, of Austin, Minn. was also sentenced in June 2022 to serve four months in jail, one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution for his role in the insurrection.

RELATED: Iowa man, Minnesota son sentenced for US Capitol attack

The two men originally pleaded not guilty, but in a plea agreement signed in January 2022 they changed their plea to guilty, and the government agreed to drop other charges, including disorderly conduct, entering a restricted building and demonstrating in a Capitol building.