🚨 NEWS ALERT | Emmy-Winning Photographer Arrested After Hidden Cameras Found in Station Dressing Rooms

By Fostoria Free Press Staff | April 23, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — A former Emmy Award-winning photographer and chief photography supervisor at KWTV News 9 in Oklahoma City has been arrested after janitorial staff discovered hidden cameras secretly mounted inside the station’s private dressing rooms, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by multiple news outlets.

Darrell Lee Vannostran, 40, of Moore, Oklahoma, was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, by the Oklahoma City Police Department. He is charged with unlawful use of photographic or video equipment in a clandestine manner in a private place — a felony offense that carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.

Discovery of the Cameras

The investigation began on March 24, 2026, when Oklahoma City police were called to the Griffin Media building in downtown Oklahoma City, which houses KWTV News 9. Janitorial staff had discovered two concealed cameras and two portable battery packs hidden beneath clothing racks inside separate dressing rooms, affixed with adhesive Velcro strips.

“The cameras had clearly been mounted in a clandestine manner in an area where one would have a reasonable expectation of privacy,” the arrest affidavit states.

What Investigators Found

After Griffin Media turned the devices over to police, investigators reviewed footage stored on SD cards and confirmed that the cameras had been active and recorded multiple individuals in the dressing rooms “in various states of undress.” Technical data including activity logs and timestamps were also recovered from the devices.

Authorities identified Vannostran as a suspect by cross-referencing building entry records with timestamps showing when the cameras had been accessed or repositioned. During a follow-up interview at the station on April 2, Vannostran acknowledged knowing the devices had been found and admitted he worked with the type of equipment recovered, citing his role as photography supervisor.

After being informed he was a suspect, Vannostran exercised his right to an attorney. Investigators subsequently seized two iPhones and three USB drives from him — and later found cached images on his phone matching footage from the hidden cameras, including views of dressing rooms and individuals undressing.

Arrest and Charges

Vannostran was arrested at his home in Moore, Oklahoma, on April 21 and booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a $25,000 bond. He had been recognized in the industry, receiving multiple nominations and awards at the Heartland Emmy Awards.

Station Response

Griffin Media, the parent company of KWTV News 9, issued a statement addressing the arrest of their former employee.

“Griffin Media is aware of the arrest of our former employee Darrell Vannostran. Our priority is the safety and privacy of our employees. When the devices were discovered, we immediately contacted the police and have been cooperating fully with their investigation,” the company said.

Investigation Ongoing

The Oklahoma City Police Department continues to investigate the incident. Authorities have not disclosed the full number of individuals who may have been recorded or whether additional charges are forthcoming.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Oklahoma City Police Department.

Sources: KOKH Fox 25 Oklahoma City, PetaPixel, Local 12/WKRC, The Oklahoman, Yahoo News