Porta-potty peep scheme busted as man faces nearly 100 charges for filming students: police

An Iowa resident is facing close to 100 charges after authorities discovered he allegedly concealed cameras inside portable toilets at two different community gatherings, aiming to capture footage of numerous individuals, including minors, using the facilities.

Tyler Pavlick, aged 32, was taken into custody on October 15. He now faces 36 charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and 52 charges of invasion of privacy in Marshall County. Additionally, he has been charged with seven counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of invasion of privacy in Polk County, according to reports from FOX10.

Tyler Pavlick's Iowa mugshot

Pavlick’s legal troubles arise from accusations that he installed hidden cameras in portable toilets during local events in Iowa, with the intent to secretly record attendees using the restrooms.

Last month, law enforcement responded to a report about a concealed camera found inside a portable toilet at a cross-country meet, as detailed by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. The event, held at a golf course, involved both middle and high school students. Participants discovered the camera, raising the alarm.

“School authorities were alerted right away,” stated the sheriff’s office in a press release. “Interviews with potential witnesses were conducted, and efforts were made to secure surveillance footage that might show the individuals responsible.”

The camera was handed over to the authorities, who utilized event surveillance footage to construct a partial image of the suspect involved in this invasive act.

Lincoln County Golf Course in State Center, Iowa

Police were dispatched to the Lincoln Valley Golf Course after several individuals reported finding a hidden camera inside a porta-potty while attending a middle and high school track meet in State Center, Iowa, on Sept. 23, 2025. (Google Maps)

On Oct. 6, authorities in Marshall County were notified by the Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) that they were investigating a separate incident that they believe was committed by the same suspect two days earlier during the Harvest and Handmade Fair at Water Works Park, according to WHO13. 

The device was allegedly placed inside the toilet bowl and positioned to capture the faces of individuals entering and using the porta-potty, Sgt. Paul Parizek, public information officer for DMPD, told WHO13. 

Portable bathrooms

Police say Tyler Pavlick planted hidden cameras inside porta-potties to film individuals – including minors – at two separate events in Iowa. (iStock)

On Oct. 15, Pavlick was arrested without incident at his Des Moines apartment complex and remains in custody at the Polk County Jail, according to authorities. He is being held on a $100,000 cash bond in the Des Moines case, WHO13 reported. 

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and Des Moines Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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