Ex-Oakland sheriff's deputy accused of video recording naked person charged

A former Oakland County Sheriff's deputy accused of video recording a naked person five years ago in Livingston County has been charged, according to authorities.

Joseph Fortier, 46, was arraigned Wednesday in 53rd District Court in Howell on three counts of surveilling an unclothed person and one count of installing a device for eavesdropping, according to court records.

A magistrate set Fortier's bond at $5,000 and scheduled his next court hearing for April 16, records show.

If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison for each count of surveilling an unclothed person and up to two years for installing a device for eavesdropping.

Fortier's attorney, Bill McCririe, had no comment Thursday.

Michigan State Police are investigating the allegations against Fortier.

Detectives are investigating claims against him that he had unauthorized cameras in his home and filmed others without their knowledge, Lt. Rene Gonzalez, a representative for the MSP First District, which includes Livingston County and Howell, said Thursday.

Gonzalez said state police are not releasing the name of the victim or the victim's relationship to Fortier to protect the person's privacy.

Media reports said the victim is a relative and his wife filed a personal protection order against him in February.

Fortier was an Oakland County Sheriff's deputy until last month, said Stephen Huber, a spokesman for the sheriff's office.

He said Fortier joined the office in 2014 and was terminated in March. At the time, he held the rank of sergeant.

His dismissal was not connected to the allegations against him, Huber also said. The sheriff's office was not aware of the charges, Huber added.

He also said the agency has no other comment about Fortier or the allegations against him.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

X: @CharlesERamirez