Chiropractor Arrested, Charges Declined in Hidden Camera Case; Civil Suits Proceed
A chiropractor practicing at The Joint‘s Valencia location was arrested in June 2024 after a camera was discovered in a restroom used by employees, clients, and children at a McBean Parkway chiropractic office. while criminal charges have not been filed against Dr. Vanderhyde, eleven individuals have filed civil suits alleging negligence on the part of The Joint.
The arrest stemmed from evidence presented by Detective Stephen Westerfield, who reviewed footage from the confiscated camera. The footage reportedly showed a person matching Dr. Vanderhyde’s appearance – as identified from the Joint’s website – remotely adjusting the camera after its placement.
Investigators initially presented the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office with potential charges of invasion of privacy and possession of child pornography. However, the D.A.’s Office declined to file charges in October, citing insufficient evidence beyond the camera footage itself. A charge-evaluation worksheet signed by Deputy District Attorney jeffrey Greenberg detailed that the footage depicted numerous individuals using the restroom over an extended period.
Despite the D.A.’s decision, a Sheriff’s Department spokesperson, Deputy Robert Jensen, defended the arrest in May, stating the office felt there wasn’t enough evidence to proceed to trial, not that the arrest was invalid.
Currently, the focus has shifted to the civil lawsuits. Plaintiffs allege The Joint “negligently failed to supervise its staff, or have adequate safety and inspection procedures in place” to prevent the unlawful recordings. The Joint maintains it had no knowledge of the camera until it was discovered, and that it has adequate training and procedures, responding swiftly upon notification.
Attorneys for The Joint indicate some parties are exploring private mediation, while others are yet to respond. Judge Samantha Jessner has ordered responses from all parties within 30 days and scheduled a hearing for January 28th, including a mandated settlement conference within five days of that date.Detective Westerfield indicated that any future criminal charges would require the presentation of new evidence to the D.A.’s Office, stating he doesn’t anticipate further action “unless more evidence came across my desk.”
