(Des Moines, IA) -- A hidden camera that was secretly recording was found in a port o potty at Water Works Park in Des Moines at the Harvest and Handmade event October 4th.
Des Moines Police Sergeant Paul Parizek says 32-year old Tyler Pavlik has been arrested this week in connection with the hidden camera. Pavlik faces charges of sexual exploitation and invasion of privacy.
"The details of this case are tough. They're going to be tough on the detectives. They're going to be tough on the community. And it's going to be very tough on the people that were victimized. It presents an opportunity for us to talk about your awareness when you're using public spaces," said Parizek.
Pavlik is also wanted by the Marshall County Sheriff's Office on charges he placed a camera inside a port o potty at a cross country event at the Lincoln Valley Golf Course in State Center. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office says participants at the September 23rd event saw the camera and told law enforcement. The meet participants included male and female middle and high school students.
Police say there could be dozens of victims at the two locations.
Parizek says police caution and encourage the public to be aware. "When they use a public space like a public restroom or a public dressing room, when other people have been in there before you and you don't know who they are, take a quick look around. Look for anything unusual."
Police are asking anyone who used the portable toilets at the Harvest and Handmade event to email them at FCS@DMGOV.ORG.