16 people sue Coeur d'Alene surgeon over camera in bathroom

COEUR d’ALENE — The case of an orthopedic surgeon accused of hiding a camera in a staff bathroom at his medical office has been bound over to district court. 

Spencer Greendyke, 68, is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child by preparation of sexually exploitative material and eight counts of video voyeurism, all felonies.

The charges stem from March when one of Greendyke’s employees contacted Coeur d’Alene police about digital storage devices at Greendyke’s medical office, River’s Edge Orthopedics. 

The devices contained video footage from “what appeared to be a hidden camera in a staff bathroom and showed victims in various stages of undress,” a news release said. The recordings depicted both adults and children, according to court documents. All known victims have been identified. 

Police obtained a search warrant for Greendyke’s medical office and residence. 

“While executing the search warrant, additional evidentiary items were located and seized,” a news release said. 

Police obtained a $1.5 million warrant for Greendyke’s arrest April 4. Greendyke turned himself in the following day and later posted bail. As a condition of release, he surrendered his passport and must remain in Idaho. 

Greendyke waived his right to a preliminary this week and the case was referred to the district court for further action. He is expected to enter a plea during an arraignment hearing scheduled for July 23. 

In Idaho, sexual exploitation of a child by preparation of sexually exploitative material is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, while video voyeurism carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. 

In addition to the criminal case, Greendyke is facing a civil lawsuit from 16 anonymous plaintiffs, including former employees, as well as the spouses and children of the former employees. Greendyke’s wife and medical practice also named in the lawsuit. 

Filed in April, the civil complaint alleges that Greendyke “placed hidden cameras in the office in sensitive areas, surreptitiously taking video and audio recording” without the knowledge of the people being recorded. This behavior allegedly began as early as 2005, according to court documents. 

The plaintiffs also allege that Greendyke made secret recordings during surgical procedures and recorded visitors to his home. 

Three plaintiffs further allege that they were “constructively discharged” from their employment with Greendyke “based upon the unendurable working conditions.” 

“Plaintiffs are going through severe emotional distress with physical manifestations from discovering the above facts and related fallout,” the civil complaint said in part. 

The plaintiffs have requested a jury trial and are seeking awards of more than $10,000 for economic and non-economic damages.