PITTSBURGH — A couple allege a neighbor's surveillance camera is invading their privacy.
Geir Helfjord and Rachael Helfjord filed a complaint Feb. 25 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Michelle Leone, Thornberry Condominium Association and others alleging invasion of privacy nuisance and other claims.
According to the plaintiffs' complaint, Leone owns a condo in the Thornberry condos in Pittsburgh which is adjacent to their condo unit. They allege that their condo has a patio on the ground floor which is surrounded by a privacy fence on either side.
The plaintiffs claim that in March 2021, Leone received approval from the Thornberry Condo Association Board to install a surveillance video camera at her condo which is positioned above their privacy fence between the two condo units.
They further claim Leone's camera has an audio recorder and views of the activities on their patio and that Leone has been recording their guests and has audio recordings of their private conversations. The plaintiffs allege Leone has violated state laws which requires two-party consent to record video and audio activities and that she has refused their requests to remove the video camera and audio recorder. They also claim the Thornberry board breached its fiduciary duty.
The Helfjords seek monetary relief of more than $50,000, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Jeffrey Morris of Elliott & Davis PC in Pittsburgh.
Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County case number GD-22