Man suing doctor for alleged surveillance of children

CHARLESTON – A man is suing a licensed osteopathic physician for allegedly spying on the man's children while they undressed.

Kenneth Silverstein, on behalf of his two minor children, filed a lawsuit April 14 against William Gates Linger.

Silverstein says he is the legal father and custodial parent of the children.

In and prior to 2008, the children occasionally would stay in Linger's home. Linger's wife is the mother of the children, the complaint says.

From 2005 on, Silverstein claims, Linger installed hidden cameras in various rooms throughout the house, including one or more bathrooms that the children used.

From 2005 to 2007, the lawsuit says, Linger videotaped the children while they were undressed and viewed the tapes. The videotaping was done without the consent of either the children or their parents, the complaint says.

The complaint says Silverstein discovered the cameras in January 2009.

He's seeking compensatory and punitive damages plus legal costs from Linger.

Henry R. Glass III is representing Silverstein. The case is before Kanawha Circuit Judge Tod Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 09-C-685