Police: Man hid camera inside porta-potty toilet at Des Moines event; similar case reported at cross country meet
October 17th, 2025 by Ric Hanson
DES MOINES, Iowa [KCCI-TV] — A Des Moines man has been arrested on multiple charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and invasion of privacy. 32-year-old Tyler Pavlick was booked into the Polk County Jail, Wednesday.
Des Moines police say they began an investigation shortly after 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 when officers were called to the Harvest & Handmade event at Water Works Park. Staff called police to report what appeared to be a recording device that had been placed in a toilet bowl of a portable toilet. Investigators found that the camera had recorded dozens of people entering and using the portable toilet, including children.
Detectives executed a search warrant this week at an East Village apartment and took Pavlick into custody. He is charged with seven counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of invasion of privacy.If you attended the Harvest & Handmade event Saturday, Oct. 4, at Water Works Park and believe you may have been recorded while using a portable toilet, you’re encouraged to contact Des Moines police at FCS@DMGOV.org. Authorities say evidence shows the device was in place for about six hours, beginning just before 10 a.m
In Marshall County, officials with the sheriff’s office say Pavlick is under investigation in a similar case from September. Investigators say someone placed a camera inside a porta-potty at a cross country meet Tuesday, Sept. 23, hosted by West Marshall. Ten schools participated in the meet held at Lincoln Valley Golf Course near State Center.
Those schools are:
- Ankeny Christian Academy
- Lynnville-Sully
- Colo-Nesco
- East Buchanan
- South Hamilton
- Collins-Maxwell
- Nevada
- West Marshall
- Baxter
- Colfax Mingo
Authorities say they believe the camera was in place for over an hour that day before it was found. Sheriff’s officials say officials at each school were notified about the discovery. Authorities estimate close to 50 victims and anticipate filing 90 to 100 counts of sexual exploitation and invasion of privacy.
Pavlick has not been charged in the Marshall County case.