North Jersey Karate Studio Employee Set Up Camera To Film Children Changing: Prosecutor

OAKLAND, NJ — An employee of a North Jersey karate studio videotaped children changing in the bathroom and produced child sex abuse materials, authorities said.

Ryan J. Curtin, 25, of Oakland was arrested Wednesday and charged with production of child sexual abuse material, possession of child sexual abuse material, and invasion of privacy, the Bergen County Prosecutor said.

Tiger Schulman's Martial Arts Studio told Patch that Curtin no longer works there, and was immediately terminated when they became aware of his arrest.

Prosecutors said that in April, the Ramsey Police Department responded to Tiger Schulman’s Martial Arts on Route 17 South in Ramsey after a hidden camera was discovered in a restroom.

An investigation by Ramsey police determined that Curtin had put a camera there and recorded an adult customer.

He was arrested, charged with one count of third-degree invasion of privacy, and released to await further court action.

The police notified the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit. They and the prosecutor's Digital Forensics Lab continued the investigation.

They determined that Curtin had put the camera in the female bathroom and "recorded multiple victims, including children, in various stages of undress while they utilized the bathroom," prosecutors said.

He was arrested again this week in Paramus and charged with two counts of second-degree production of child pornography, one count of third-degree possession of child pornography, and seven counts of third-degree invasion of privacy.

He was taken to the Bergen County Jail to await a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack, prosecutors said.

Tiger Schulman Responds

Tiger Schulman owner Sensei Shawn Rapoport said they were deeply shocked and saddened to learn that a former employee of the school has been arrested for placing an illegal camera in a bathroom.

“This behavior is reprehensible, violates every value we stand for, and will never be tolerated,” he said.

Rapoport noted that as soon as he became aware of the allegations, Curtain was fired and the business has been fully cooperating with law enforcement.

“The safety and well-being of our students, families, and staff is our highest,” he said.