LOGAN, OH — What began as a family getaway in Hocking Hills turned into a criminal investigation after a woman discovered a hidden camera in the bathroom of a rental cabin — leading to the arrest and conviction of the property owner on felony charges.
According to the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Sly Fox Lodge Cabin at 8845 State Route 664 North on February 19, 2024, after Alyssa Bradds, of central Ohio, reported finding what appeared to be a concealed recording device in the downstairs bathroom.
Bradds told investigators she noticed a black cord hanging from the ceiling above the toilet and, with her husband’s help, traced it to a small camera connected to a black box with a flashing green light and antenna. The device was aimed directly toward the shower. Deputies confirmed it was a hidden camera equipped with a wireless transmitter.
A search warrant was obtained and executed by Detective Lt. David Wright, who seized the camera and an extension cord that had been run through the ceiling to a nearby outlet. During the search, no other hidden devices were found inside the cabin, although outdoor surveillance cameras were noted near the entrances.
Further investigation revealed that the cabin’s owner, Jason Yard, of Akron, had purchased multiple hidden recording devices, nanny cams, and memory cards through Amazon between 2019 and 2023. Forensic analysis of the recovered camera uncovered a microSD card containing videos of Yard adjusting the device while it was installed, as well as backups from a Samsung phone linked to him.
Detectives determined that at least 49 adults and 13 children were potentially recorded at the cabin. Roughly 170 digital files were entered into evidence, including one video depicting a couple engaged in sexual activity.
In June 2025, a Hocking County grand jury indicted Yard on four felony counts of illegal use of nudity-oriented material involving a minor and two misdemeanor counts of voyeurism. He was arrested in July and released on $100,000 bond after pleading not guilty.
However, in October, Yard changed his plea to no contest on one felony count of illegal use of nudity-oriented material involving a minor. As part of the plea agreement, the remaining charges were dismissed.
Yard will be required to register as a Tier I sex offender under Ohio law and faces up to 12 years in prison. Court documents indicate prosecutors and defense attorneys jointly recommended a prison term of four to six years. Sentencing is scheduled for November 12 in Hocking County Common Pleas Court.
The case, described by investigators as one of the most disturbing in recent memory, underscores growing concerns over privacy and surveillance in short-term vacation rentals.
