TodayBarclay sued over secret sex videos (updated at 10:32 a.m.)
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Two men who lived with Bruce Barclay say the former Cumberland County commissioner confessed to them that for months he had secretly videotaped them having sex.
The taping ended when the elaborate network of hidden cameras came to light in April after Barclay was falsely accused of rape by another man.
Now both men are seeking financial restitution from Barclay for the “embarrassment” and “humiliation” they suffered as a result of being swept up in the scandal.
Twin lawsuits were filed Thursday in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County. William Ober and Joseph Brunner claim they were not aware Barclay was recording their activities via cameras hidden in bathrooms and bedrooms in his house.
Both men’s civil suits claim that Barclay produced the recordings “in order to satisfy and gratify his own sexual urges and desires, and that he has since observed those recordings for illicit purposes.”
Both lawsuits seek restitution from Barclay for invasion of privacy, intrusion upon seclusion and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
‘Intent to defend’
Barclay’s attorney Matthew Gover released a statement in response to the suits: “It is regrettable that this action has been taken. It is Bruce’s intent to defend this suit and he looks forward to getting this promptly resolved by the Cumberland County courts.”
Brunner claims in his civil suit that Barclay telephoned him on or about April 1 and confessed that he had surreptitiously videotaped Brunner while he was undressed and while Brunner had consensual sex with another person.
Ober’s civil suit alleges that Barclay confessed the videotaping to him on or about April 2.
Ober claims Barclay recorded him from May 2007 until March 2008, while Brunner says Barclay recorded him between August 2007 and February 2008.
In his civil suit, Ober seeks compensatory and punitive damages in excess of the limits for compulsory arbitration. Brunner’s suit claims that Barclay’s actions “are the direct, legal, and proximate causes of the harm, injuries and damages,” and that “he suffered great humiliation, embarrassment, mortification, distress, and physical and mental pain and suffering.”
Both men are being represented by attorney Spero Lappas of the Serratelli, Schiffman, Brown and Calhoon law firm in Harrisburg. Lappas did not return a phone call for comment.
Barclay is currently being investigated by the attorney general’s office and the state police. He resigned as commissioner April 2. Computers and equipment have been removed from his house, business office and former office in the county administration building for analysis by investigators, but police have filed no criminal complaints.
