Sanborn, Iowa — A rural Sanborn man has been arrested on invasion of privacy charges after an investigation in rural Sanborn.
According to the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, 69-year-old Donald Gene Mastbergen of Sanborn is accused of planting a covert video camera in his neighbors’ bedroom. He was arrested on Monday.
A statement from the sheriff’s office says that on June 19, 2026, a search warrant was executed at Mastbergen’s home. His computers, cell phone, and digital storage devices were seized. A subsequent warrant was granted allowing the investigators to search the contents of the seized devices. Following the discovery of digital evidence, as well as an interview with Mastbergen, investigators believe that he used technology to invade the privacy of the victims by obtaining images of various states of nudity while they were in their home where they had a high expectation of privacy.
Sheriff Bruce Devereaux says that as the investigation progressed, they came to believe that rather than being a single incident, Mastbergen had trespassed onto the victim’s property
at least 12 times to install a hidden camera in their bedroom and then go back to retrieve the
camera later to view its contents.
Mastbergen was charged with 12 counts of camera/electronic surveillance devices/trespassing and five counts of invasion of privacy/nudity. While the offenses are all misdemeanor level, there are 17 counts. So if Mastbergen is convicted on all charges, he could face up to 34 years in either jail or prison, if he is ordered to serve the sentences consecutively.
After warrants were issued for his arrest, Mastbergen turned himself in to the O’Brien County Jail in Primghar. He posted a $10,000 cash bond and was released. He faces an initial court appearance on Tuesday, July 21st.
The sheriff’s office reminds people that Mastbergen is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
