Hidden Camera Charges
West Bloomfield Township Trustee Jibran Manna Faces Seven Felonies Over Hidden Cameras
Key Points
Manna is identified as a real estate broker in addition to serving as a West Bloomfield Township Trustee.
He was arrested Sunday by Oakland County Sheriff's investigators.
Manna faces seven felonies in total: two counts of capturing an image of an unclothed person and five counts of installing a device for eavesdropping.
Township Supervisor Jonathan Warshay commented on the case, stating that township business will continue as usual and urging respect for the judicial process and the presumption of innocence.
The case has drawn coverage from multiple outlets, including Fox 2 Detroit and WWJ Newsradio.
West Bloomfield Township Trustee Jibran Manna, 65, was arrested Sunday and charged with seven felonies after two women found cameras hidden inside smoke detectors in their bedrooms, according to Detroit News. Investigators searched his home, office, and cellphone — and found nude videos recorded from the victims' bedrooms and bathrooms.
Manna faces two counts of capturing an image of an unclothed person — each carrying up to five years in prison — and five counts of installing a device for eavesdropping, each punishable by up to two years, WXYZ reported. Oakland County prosecutors called the alleged conduct an appalling invasion of privacy.
Hidden Cameras Found Inside Bedroom Smoke Detectors
The case broke open when two adult women discovered cameras concealed inside smoke detectors in their bedrooms, Mid Michigan Now reported. The finds triggered a full investigation by Oakland County Sheriff's investigators, who then searched Manna's home and office. They also seized his cellphone.
On that phone, investigators found nude surveillance videos pulled from the victims' bedrooms and bathrooms, according to Deadline Detroit. Additional cameras were also recovered during the searches. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald called the alleged actions a serious breach of the trust victims placed in their own private spaces.
Seven Felony Counts Against a Long-Serving Elected Official
Manna has held a seat on the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees since 2016. He was reelected in 2020 and again in 2024. His current term runs through November 2028, according to Click On Detroit. He also works as a real estate broker.
The seven felony charges break down to two counts of capturing an image of an unclothed person and five counts of installing an eavesdropping device. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 20 years in prison combined. No attorney was listed for Manna in initial court records, WXYZ noted.
Township Supervisor Urges Calm as Government Carries On
Township Supervisor Jonathan Warshay addressed the charges publicly. He said township business would continue as usual. He also urged residents to respect the judicial process and the presumption of innocence, according to Detroit News.
The case has drawn wide media attention across metro Detroit. WXYZ and Click On Detroit were among the first outlets to report Manna's arrest. Proceedings are ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case moves through the courts.
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