A man from Decatur, Illinois, is facing serious charges for making child pornography and for unauthorized videotaping. Authorities allege that he secretly installed a camera in a bathroom vent to record young girls showering.
Johnathan M. Osman, aged 27, has been charged with a total of six counts, including two serious Class X felonies. The charges filed by the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office include producing and possessing child pornography, as well as unauthorized videotaping. According to a sworn statement from Decatur Police, these activities allegedly took place at Osman’s home.
Officer Anna Oldham, who provided the statement, mentioned that the police were alerted by a woman who babysits the girls. On August 18, she reportedly discovered two incriminating videos stored on Osman’s iPad while using the device.
Oldham explained, “The videos displayed the two girls undressed and stepping into the shower,” adding that the babysitter realized the camera must have been concealed in the bathroom vent due to the video’s angle.
Following this revelation, police executed a search warrant at Osman’s residence. Officers intercepted him as he tried to leave the premises, and during the search, they inspected the bathroom vent.
Officer Oldham remarked, “After removing the heating fan, it was evident it had been tampered with, as wiring was modified with a USB cord connection. The fan’s position created enough space to hide a small item or camera.”
Oldham added that there was a layer of dust in the vent that was disturbed in a pattern that would not have been from the fan.
When officers interviewed Osman, Oldham said he was coy on answering whether he had placed the camera. He said he didn’t recall placing it, but that he was the only one who could have, since no other adult lived at his home.
“Johnathan mentioned that he does not know why he would have done that, however, stated it ‘had to be because of curiosity,'” Oldham said. “When asked about that curiosity, he stated something similar to ‘because of the girls’ development.'”
Osman was charged on Monday and appeared in court the same day for arraignment and a detention hearing. Court records show he was denied pretrial release and was ordered to stay in the Macon County Jail.
He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 10, when he will enter a formal plea.
