Former Northwell Sleep Center Worker Pleads Guilty to Recording Patients, Faces Probation

Sanjai Syamaprasad, a former Northwell Health sleep technician, pleaded guilty to unlawful surveillance and tampering with evidence after secretly installing hidden cameras disguised as smoke detectors in bathrooms at the Northwell Health Sleep Disorders Center and STARS Rehabilitation Center in Manhasset. Between July 2023 and April 2024, he recorded hundreds of patients, including minors, violating their privacy by secretly viewing footage on his work computer. After being discovered by a coworker, Syamaprasad was terminated and subsequently attempted to destroy evidence by discarding the cameras and SD cards, which were later recovered by police. Despite facing up to 21 years, he received a plea deal of five years probation, a decision criticized by Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly as insufficient given the scale and severity of the offenses. Syamaprasad expressed remorse and enrolled in a treatment program, factors considered by the judge in sentencing. Investigations continue to identify additional victims, and authorities urge anyone affected to come forward.