WALLA WALLA, Wash. – A year-long investigation by authorities has led to the arrest of a man accused of using a drone to record images through windows of a women’s dormitory at Walla Walla University and nearby residences.
Ira Ross Wright, 60, was taken into custody last week and booked into the Walla Walla Corrections Facility on two counts of first-degree voyeurism, according to a statement released by the College Place Police Department.
Drone Activity Reported Near Walla Walla University
The investigation initially began in early 2024 when reports were received about a drone flying around the women’s dormitories on the Walla Walla University campus, reports the Tri-City Herald. Authorities opened a formal inquiry shortly after receiving these reports, which also referenced drone sightings in the surrounding residential areas.
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Campus security recently recovered a downed drone near the college campus, which turned out to be a key breakthrough in the investigation. According to College Place police, data retrieved from the recovered drone provided evidence tying Wright to the alleged offenses.
The recovered media included images of individuals engaged in “private activities” within the dormitories and neighboring homes, reports the Elkhorn Media Group. Officers were able to identify victims based on the recorded data, initiating further steps in the investigation.
Search Leads to Arrest and Evidence Recovery
Police executed a search warrant at Wright’s home around 4 p.m. on July 8. During the search, officers recovered several data storage devices that are now being reviewed for evidence of additional victims or potential charges.
Public records indicate that Wright was employed as a service worker at John Sager Middle School during the 2023-24 academic year.
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Wright appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday and was subsequently released. He is scheduled to return to court on July 21 to enter a plea to the Class C felonies.
The charges Wright faces, first-degree voyeurism, are classified as Class C felonies under Washington state law. If convicted, they carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine per count.
Illegal Drone Use a Growing Problem
Although comprehensive national data on drone-related voyeurism is unavailable, the issue is recognized and appears to be worsening. Despite the enactment of stringent state laws, illegal drone activity has not only persisted but has become more prevalent in recent years.
Notably, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle contacted the Los Angeles Police Department multiple times to report drones being used to spy on them, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Drones have also impacted on-location film sets, as well as well as sporting events and medical facilities.
