Fergus Falls Man Charged in Restroom Phone Case

FERGUS FALLS (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fergus Falls man faces felony and gross misdemeanor charges after police found a hidden cellphone inside a business restroom. Police say the phone recorded people using the restroom.

Police identified the man as Ramon Zavala, 39, of Fergus Falls. Current county jail records list him as Ramon Saavedra Zavala. Those records show he was booked July 15 on an active felony privacy charge.

Hidden Phone Reported

According to a Fergus Falls Police Department release, officers were called about 7:35 p.m. July 2. The call came from a business in the 200 block of West Cavour Avenue.

A complainant told police their 15-year-old child used the restroom. The child then noticed a concealed cellphone, the release states.

Police said they seized the phone after a detailed investigation. Investigators later found additional images of females using the restroom, according to the release.

Authorities believe the images were recorded between June 30 and July 2. Police said Zavala no longer works at the business.

Otter Tail County Jail booking photo of Ramon Saavedra Zavala — Booking photo: Otter Tail County Jail.

Charges and Records

The Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office has charged Zavala with five counts. The release lists two felony privacy charges. One alleges interference with the privacy of a minor with sexual intent. The other alleges interference with the privacy of a minor.

The release also lists three gross-misdemeanor interference-with-privacy counts. A jail record lists an active felony charge under Minnesota’s interference-with-privacy law. The record describes it as against a minor under 18.

Court Updates

These are charges and allegations. They are not findings of guilt. Zavala is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The July 16 official jail list showed Saavedra Zavala in custody. It did not display a bond amount or projected release date. Jail status and court dates can change.

The release did not give a case number, bond, or hearing date. Court filings and future hearing details may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online and Otter Tail County Court Administration.

Anyone with concerns or information may contact the Fergus Falls Police Department.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.

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