Prosecutors allege 59-year-old Kevin Pearsall placed a hidden camera in the men's locker room at the Bolsa Chica headquarters during the summer of 2024. At least 23 victims - all men - have been identified in the case.
"They were being preyed on in the most intimate and disgustingly, violative way," said Kimberly Edds, director of public affairs for the Orange County DA's Office.
Authorities said the investigation began in July of last year, when a sworn California State Parks officer discovered a USB device in the locker room.
"He didn't realize that it was actually a hidden camera," Edds said.
Prosecutors allege the hidden camera had been recording since August 2024, capturing footage of lifeguards while they were nude. On some occasions, Pearsall is accused of sharing those images with two other men.
"And making really, sexual, inappropriate comments about these individuals as they're just doing their job," Edds said.
Attorney Ron Zambrano, who represents one of the alleged victims, described the case in stark terms.
"It's disgusting," Zambrano said.
Zambrano said his client was among those targeted.
"Apparently, it was very common for Pearsall to encourage people that he liked to get the more senior lockers towards the back which ended up being where the cameras were," Zambrano said.
On behalf of his client, Zambrano said he is filing a civil complaint against the state of California, alleging harassment and a failure to prevent it.
"The state of California, as the law has been written, is responsible for Pearsall's unlawful conduct because he's been put in a position of power," he said.
Pearsall had worked for the department since 1994, but retired shortly after the California Highway Patrol served search warrants related to the investigation.
"California State Parks takes these charges very seriously and has fully cooperated with law enforcement through every step of the investigation," read a statement from the agency. "Upon being alerted to these serious criminal allegations, State Parks immediately contacted the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and requested an investigation."
Authorities said Pearsall turned himself in Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in court in August. Eyewitness News reached out to Pearsall for comment but has not heard back.
If convicted, Pearsall could face nearly 19 years in jail.