Rams Head Exec. Gets 90 Days For Filming Women In Bathroom

HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- A guilty plea from the owner of a popular restaurant after he secretly videoed women in the restroom.

Kyle Muehlhauser entered that guilty plea in Howard County District Court.

Alex Demetrick has details of that appearance and the punishment.

Kyle Muehlhauser was looking at the possibility of several years in prison, but a plea bargain greatly reduced that penalty.

37-year-old Muehlhauser was arrested last February on charges of visual surveillance with prurient intent.

What he did at Rams Head Tavern in the Savage Mill complex was hide a video recorder under the sink in the women's room.

The woman who discovered it turned it over to police and was in court today to tell the judge the impact that it's had on her life.

She declined to talk on camera.

"There isn't a day that doesn't go by that they don't think about this event and the violation of their privacy," said Joanna Miller, Howard County Assistant State's Attorney.

Originally Muehlhauser was charged with six counts, but a plea deal reduced it.

Under the agreement he pled guilty to two counts. He was sentenced to two years, all but 90 days of it suspended. Then it's three years of probation and an order for surprise inspections of his computer and any video gear.

"It's a very difficult time for my family. I think anybody whose a parent can appreciate that. I have deep empathy for the two ladies who have been affected here, as well as their families," Kyle's father Bill Muehlhauser said.

Bill is the founder of the popular Rams Head chain in locations throughout Maryland.

His son's guilty plea puts that business at risk for civil suits. For that reason, Kyle Muehlhauser's lawyer told his client not to address the court.

But if he had, "He would express his remorse, He would express his desire to change. He would apologize," Muehlhauser's lawyer Jason Shapiro said.

In a statement, the Rams Head Group's new president Erin McNaboe says:

"The past few months have been difficult on many levels. Upon learning of this unforeseen situation last May, I can assure you the Rams Head management team immediately mobilized and implemented the highest levels of quality control at all Rams Head properties. Our unrelenting vigilance toward patron comfort and daily excellence continues today. The more than 400 members of the Rams Head team remain focused on delivering the highest level of customer experience, consistent with our 25‐year legacy. We are very grateful to those who have trusted us through adversity; our team pledges to continue working hard for so many who are committed to and depend on us."

Three women have also filed a $200 million lawsuit against the entertainment group after they say they were some of Muehlhauser's victims.