WASHINGTON — The owner of a popular local tavern has been charged for secretly videotaping women as they used the restaurant’s bathroom.
Kyle Muehlhauser, 37, was arrested Feb. 19 by Howard County Police on six counts of visual surveillance with prurient intent, according to a news release. He has been released from the Howard County Detention Center on $35,000 bond.
The police investigation began in May 2014 when a woman reported to police that she was in the restroom at Rams Head Tavern on Foundry Street in Savage, Maryland when a digital video camera fell onto the floor next to her.
Detectives reviewed the footage on the camera’s memory card. It revealed the image of an unknown man placing the camera in the bathroom. Police also saw the images of six unknown woman captured on video.
Investigators obtained surveillance video from the restaurant. They observed a man in the establishment who matched the physical and clothing description of the suspect mounting the camera in the bathroom.
The man was identified as Kyle Muehlhauser. On the company’s website, he’s listed as president of the Rams Head Group.
In a statement, the group said it’s been “fully cooperative” with Howard County Police: “Per the police investigation, this is an isolated situation involving one bathroom at the Rams Head Tavern Savage Mill location more than nine months ago.”
“We understand the community’s rightful concerns,” the statement continued. “No other locations or incidents are involved.”
In December, police received lab results indicating DNA on the camera matched that of Muehlhauser. He turned himself in to police without incident.
Investigators are notifying other police jurisdictions where additional Rams Head Group venues are located of Muehlhauser’s arrest.
