Coercion and legality of cameras?

Question

So I am in a bit of an awkward situation. For the past 3 years, the hot tub in the apartment complex I live in has never been working properly. This past year it has not been adequately warmed.

Below the pool deck lies an equipment room. Myself, among others were able to gain access to the room through a door k**b that is easy to "pop" open by twisting it and pushing down a certain way.

Apparently, they were trying to figure out who has been in there as the k**b is broken, and claimed to install a hidden camera in there. Of course, out of many, I was the one who was caught. While I do realize my actions were wrong, I am trying to figure out if my rights have been violated.

I have had phone conversations and a face-to-face meeting with the property manager. They are attempting to get me to name names of others whom I knew were down there. I know faces, descriptions, and one first name. That's it. I communicated exactly what I knew to them. They have been telling me before I even give them any information that if I provide them this information that the most they will do is ask me to leave. If I do not provide this information, they are threatening to take me to court for "breaking and entering".

It is a very clear-cut either-or they are providing me. I feel that this is coercion since they are compelling me to act involuntarily with the use of threats (IE: calling the authorities to remove me from the property, taking me to court if I do not give them as much information as they want, etc). I have communicated to them that I would simply like to leave the community peacefully and see no reason that this should be taken to court. Still, they are going on a witch hunt and want names that I simply do not have.

Can they actually legally threaten me like that? Further, would the use of such a spy camera be considered legal?

I don't know what to think. How likely is it that it would even go to court? I doubt they have the resources, time, or money it would take to pursue this, but it doesn't hurt to prepare myself just in case. I am sure they don't want the publicity.

What should I do, and is it coercion they are practicing?

Answer 1

   Well, unfortunately you are being coerced and though it may not be ethical it is legal. They have every right to have a surveillance in an area of a secure room. You did in fact break and enter a locked room and that was illegal. If they wish to press charges against you, you will end up in court.  If you don't want to tell on the others then you will take the beef. So can you handle the beef alone or do you want to take others with you?

Answer 2

If you were able to open a door that was not posted for no entry, it was either available or improperly secured.  Is this room mentioned in your lease?

You really should at least talk with an attorney, but I believe the manager is "blowing smoke" and will not purse legal action if the above applies.