A 48-year-old restaurant employee faces criminal charges after staff discovered hidden cameras recording customers in both bathrooms at a popular Georgia coastal eatery, leading authorities to uncover footage of multiple victims.

Discovery at Beachside Restaurant

Employees at North Beach Bar and Grill on Tybee Island contacted local police on September 17 after finding a small recording device concealed beneath a shelf in one restroom. A subsequent search revealed a second camera positioned on top of an air freshener in the establishment’s other bathroom. The discovery prompted an immediate investigation by the Tybee Island Police Department, which worked closely with restaurant management to identify the person responsible for planting the surveillance equipment.

Detectives reviewed footage recovered from both devices and confirmed that numerous patrons had been recorded while using the private facilities. The recordings captured people in situations where they had a clear expectation of privacy, according to authorities familiar with the investigation.

Suspect Identified and Charged

Investigators identified Larry Walter Chase, 48, as the suspect through cooperation with restaurant ownership and staff. Chase was taken into custody on Tuesday and transported to the Chatham County Detention Center. He faces a charge of unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance, a serious criminal offense in Georgia that addresses secret recordings in private spaces. The charge reflects the state’s recognition that such violations represent significant breaches of personal privacy and dignity.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about hidden camera technology becoming increasingly accessible and difficult to detect. Small recording devices can now be purchased easily online and disguised as everyday objects, making detection challenging for businesses and the public.

Privacy Rights and Legal Consequences

Georgia law explicitly prohibits the use of surveillance devices in locations where individuals maintain a reasonable expectation of privacy, including bathrooms and changing areas. Violations can result in both criminal prosecution and civil liability, with potential penalties including substantial prison time. The North Beach Bar and Grill, a dining establishment serving the Tybee Island community and visitors to the coastal area, worked with authorities throughout the investigation. The restaurant’s prompt reporting and cooperation proved essential in identifying the suspect and potentially preventing additional victims from being recorded without their knowledge or consent.