A Eureka man has been charged with planting hidden cameras in the dressing rooms and bathrooms of his downtown clothing shop, ostensibly to record customers changing.

In addition to being charged with surreptitious visual observation, Richard Alan Brown, 36, also is facing more than a dozen narcotics charges, including drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of drugs with intent to distribute.

Brown's bail was set at $650,000 during an initial appearance last week in Lincoln County Justice Court.

The Eureka Police Department began investigating Brown - who runs High Country Stitches, an alteration, sewing, costume, and clothing store in the 200 block of Dewey Avenue - after a complaint that he was secretly taping customers.

After obtaining a warrant, investigators searched Brown's residence, which is located above his shop, and recovered video recordings and several different types of drugs, including prescription pills, marijuana, LSD and mushrooms, Eureka police officer Brenda Cavoretto said.

Cavoretto said officers are exploring the possibility that the recording may have been occurring for the past five years, which is the statute of limitations for the surreptitious visual observation charge.

The case is still under investigation and officers don't yet know how many people may have been recorded.

Investigators ask anyone who was a patron of the business and has information about any criminal behavior to contact the Eureka Police Department at (406) 297-2121. Packets with witness statement forms are available at the station.

Brown's next appearance, a preliminary hearing, is scheduled for May 6 at 11 a.m. During the hearing, at which Brown is expected to enter a plea, it will be decided whether the case remains in Justice Court or moves up to District Court.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, game wardens, the U.S. Forest Service, Montana Highway Patrol, Eureka Public Works Department and community members assisted in the investigation, Cavoretto said.

Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at nledden@dailyinterlake.com