Iowa Man Faces Nearly 100 Charges After Allegedly Hiding Cameras in Porta-Potties, Filming Adults and Children
DES MOINES, IOWA — A 32-year-old Iowa man is facing nearly 100 criminal charges after police say he hid cameras inside porta-potties at local events, recording dozens of unsuspecting victims — including minors.
Tyler Pavlick, of Des Moines, was arrested on October 15 and charged with multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and invasion of privacy, according to online court records and police statements. Authorities say the recordings captured both adults and children using the toilets.
Camera Found at Iowa Fair Sparks Investigation
The investigation began on October 4, when visitors at the Harvest & Handmade Fair at Water Works Park in Des Moines discovered a hidden camera mounted beneath the toilet seat in a portable restroom.
Police said the device had been positioned to record users’ faces and actions inside the unit.
“The camera filmed the faces of adults and children entering the porta-potty and their use of the toilet,” Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department told local outlet WHO13.
Authorities quickly launched a search to identify who placed the device, analyzing footage recovered from the camera.
Similar Device Found at Golf Course Cross-Country Event
Just weeks later, on September 23, a nearly identical hidden camera was found inside a porta-potty at the Lincoln Valley Golf Course in State Center, where the West Marshall Community School District was hosting a cross-country meet for middle and high school students.
Participants noticed something suspicious and alerted law enforcement.
“A group of event participants alerted police to what they believed was a concealed camera,” the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The device was removed and turned over to law enforcement.”
Surveillance footage from the golf course provided investigators with a partial image of a person and a vehicle of interest, leading authorities to Pavlick.
Police Connect the Cases
Detectives from Des Moines and Marshall County soon determined the two cases were connected. Digital evidence from the seized cameras and other recovered devices allegedly tied Pavlick to both incidents.
He now faces a total of 98 charges, including:
- 43 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor
- 1 count of promoting the sexual exploitation of a minor
- 55 counts of invasion of privacy involving nudity
Authorities said additional charges may be filed as more victims are identified.
“We anticipate bringing additional charges as we identify more victims,” the sheriff’s office said. “We encourage anyone who used the porta-potty near the starting line at the cross-country meet to come forward.”
Community Outrage and Ongoing Investigation
The shocking allegations have sparked anger and disbelief across Iowa. Many parents expressed concern that children were targeted at what should have been safe community events.
Officials confirmed that Pavlick remains in custody at the Polk County Jail, and it is unclear whether he has retained an attorney to represent him.
Anyone who may have used the affected porta-potties or has information related to the case is urged to submit a confidential tip at marshallcountysheriff.com/crime_tips.
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