DA Charges Grover Beach Man with Secret Recording of Nude Women in Tanning Booths

Author: District Attorney
Date: 6/26/2026 2:39 PM

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that charges have been filed and an arrest warrant has been issued for Kyle L. Combs (DOB 11/26/1985) for secretly recording multiple women at a local gym.

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Today, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office announces the filing of charges and issuing of an arrest warrant for Kyle L. Combs, 40, of Grover Beach, with 12 misdemeanor counts of violating Penal Code section 647(j)(1), invasion of privacy.

Readers may be justifiably disturbed to learn that, under current California law, allegations involving secretly recording multiple nude victims in private tanning booths are generally chargeable only as misdemeanors unless additional circumstances exist. If the public believes this conduct should be punishable as a felony, that change must come from the California Legislature, and residents may contact their State Assemblymember and State Senator through the official representative lookup page at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov.

The criminal complaint alleges that, at a fitness center in Arroyo Grande, Combs secretly used a device to view or record women while they were nude inside standing tanning booths, a place where any person would reasonably expect complete privacy. The charged offenses allegedly occurred between July 12, 2025, and December 29, 2025, and involve 12 separate “Jane Doe” victims. Please note that there is evidence of many other additional incidents of the same conduct committed at the same location but that occurred between January and June of 2025 so those counts were outside of the statute of limitations period and could not be charged in this case.

These allegations arise from an investigation by the Arroyo Grande Police Department involving suspected secret recordings at the Planet Fitness in Arroyo Grande. Investigators continue working to determine whether there are additional victims who were targeted in the same manner.

Under California law, Penal Code section 647(j)(1) prohibits using a device to look into or otherwise view a private area, including a dressing room or tanning booth, with the intent to invade another person’s privacy. Because the complaint alleges adult victims and does not allege a qualifying prior conviction, the conduct being alleged in this case can only be charged as misdemeanors under California law. 

“Secretly recording women while they are nude inside tanning booths is a deeply disturbing violation of privacy, dignity, and personal security,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “People using a gym or fitness center should never have to fear that they are being watched or recorded in one of their most private moments. Our office will continue to work with law enforcement to hold offenders accountable and to seek justice for every victim.”

Women who used the tanning or red-light therapy rooms at the Arroyo Grande Planet Fitness during 2025 and have not yet spoken with investigators are encouraged to contact Arroyo Grande Police Detective Brandon Earnest at (805) 473-5110 ext. 7021 or by email at [email protected]. 

Superior Court Judge Erin Childs signed an arrest warrant and set bail in the amount of $50,000.

As in every criminal case, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  Here is a copy of the complaint document.

Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at (805) 781-5819 with any questions.
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