Wentzville Tattoo Parlor Owner Arrested For Invasion of Privacy

A Wentzville tattoo parlor owner was arrested Thursday after an employee discovered a video camera hidden in a restroom vent, said a Wentzville Police spokesman.

Bruce Hymes, 41, of the 500 block of Blumhoff Avenue in Wentzville, has been charged with invasion of privacy of several individuals and tampering with evidence. Hymes is owner of Full Moon Tattoo Parlor in Wentzville.

Capt. Kevin Pyatt said the employee called police Thursday to report she had found the camera.

KSDK-TV reported the employee, Mel Burch, called police and then confronted the Hymes with the evidence.

“Before we arrived, there was some sort of discussion or confrontation about the camera,” Pyatt said. “Then, the owner, Mr. Hymes attempted to pull the camera and wires out of the vent.”

The evidence is still under investigation by the St. Charles Cyber Crime Unit, but police did have enough evidence to proceed with the charges, Pyatt said.

Pyatt said the room with the camera was a unisex restroom available to the public and employees.

Hymes’ wife is a St. Charles police officer who also owns the shop, according to a KSDK-TV report. The store is advertising that it is under new management.

Pyatt said the tattoo parlor is closed this morning, but is not under any restriction from reopening.