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Scheopner arrested on allegations of eavesdropping

A Garden City businessman and former vice president of the USD 457 Board of Education has been accused of placing and using a concealed camcorder to eavesdrop in the women’s bathroom at his business.

John Scheopner, 56, was arrested at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in Finney County on allegations he used a concealed camcorder to eavesdrop on a 53-year-old Garden City woman, a 28-year-old Lakin woman and a 32-year-old Garden City woman in the women’s bathroom at Scheopner’s Water Conditioning, 2203 East Fulton Plaza, according to Garden City Police Sgt. Michael Reagle. Scheopner allegedly eavesdropped on the 32-year-old woman twice, Reagle said. The incidents allegedly occurred on April 30.

Scheopner, whose resignation from the school board was accepted on May 23 after 14 years on the board, also is accused of two counts of intimidation of a witness or victim for allegedly attempting to deter the 53-year-old woman and 28-year-old woman from testifying, Reagle said.

Scheopner could not be reached for comment.

Scheopner made his first court appearance Wednesday and was released on his own recognizance, according to the Finney County Jail log. He has been charged with four counts of use of a concealed camcorder to eavesdrop and two counts of intimidation of a witness or victim, according to the Finney County Attorney’s Office. All are misdemeanors.

Scheopner is scheduled for a case management hearing at 1:15 p.m. July 28.

Reagle said that while the incident occurred April 30, the investigation continued after that. An arrest affidavit was filed requesting Scheopner be charged. The arrest warrant was issued, and he was arrested when he made his first appearance, Reagle said.

Lawyer Lara Bors was appointed Monday to Scheopner’s seat on the board in a unanimous vote by the board.

The term to which Bors was named expires on June 30, 2013.