Hidden camera discovery leads to voyeurism, firearms charges in Carleton Place

Lanark County OPP have laid multiple charges, including voyeurism and firearms-related offences, after a hidden camera was discovered in a Carleton Place apartment last week.

Police responded to a local apartment on Thursday, April 3 after a resident located a hidden camera in her home. The investigation resulted in a man being arrested and charged on Friday, April 4. 

Police investigated further, and eventually also laid numerous firearms charges.

Matthew Smissaert, 64, from Carleton Place, has been charged with:

·        Voyeurism

·        Possession of a prohibited device

·        Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm – four counts

·        Careless storage of a firearm – five counts

Charges have not been proven in court.

The accused was held for a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth on April 7, 2025.