(ABC 6 News) — A Duluth wedding photographer is accused of secretly hiding a camera in the bridal suite and filming a woman getting dressed.

Mitchell Ringness, 30, is charged in Freeborn County with invasion of privacy – in hotels, tanning salons or elsewhere – by installation or use of a secret device. Ringness is the owner of MR. Photography.

According to court documents, a woman gave Cloquet police a USB drive in April that she said belonged to Ringness.

The woman took the USB stick from Ringness and allegedly saw photos and videos of naked women that appeared to have been secretly recorded.

In 2020, after executing a search warrant, officers found a video of a bride changing into her dress at The Barn at Chapeau Shores in Albert Lea.

Once the bride is finished changing, someone in the room calls “Mitchell,” then Ringness comes into the room with a camera and begins taking the bride’s “first look” photos.

Investigators confirmed that Ringness was hired as a photographer at the wedding.

In a statement to ABC 6, the venue’s owners said they were shocked and that Ringness was not employed by their venue and they had not met him prior to this event.

“The safety of the bride and groom and all guests is of the utmost importance to us, so it was very upsetting to hear this news. Our deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected by this individual,” said Chad and Jayne Iverson, owners of the barn at Chapeau Shores.

The bride explained to investigators that she did not consent to the recording of these videos.

No further charges were filed against Ringness.

Ringness’s first appearance in Freeborn District Court is scheduled for September 5.