EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — A Snohomish County judge has ruled that the public has the right to copies of police surveillance videos showing bikini baristas engaging in illegal activity.

The Daily Herald reports that the city of Everett has resisted a demand for copies of the videos, arguing that it has a duty to protect the baristas' privacy rights. But Superior Court Judge George Appel ruled Monday that privacy doesn't trump public records laws.

Arthur West filed a lawsuit against the city after officials denied him copies of the videos.

The videos were part of a 2013 investigation into public corruption and prostitution at bikini espresso stands in Everett and other areas of Snohomish and King counties. Three people have pleaded guilty to felonies in the case.

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