HILLIARD, Ohio – A hidden camera at a local swim center has led to child pornography charges against an employee.
Twenty-two-year-old Justin Budding, of Hilliard, is accused of hiding a camera in a changing room and recording an underage co-worker as she undressed.
Police say it happened at Aquatic Adventures in Hilliard.
Four days ago, Budding earned a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University.
Today, he's accused of secretly recording a teenage co-worker.
According to court records obtained by 10TV, the owner of Aquatic Adventures contacted police on Dec. 11 to report finding a GoPro camera in a changing room used by lifeguards.
Police say on the camera were two videos of an underage female, captured fully nude while changing her clothes.
Police say security video from the swim center showed Budding handling the GoPro prior to it being found.
"It appears from the video that Budding synced his phone to the camera," the officer wrote.
Police say Budding was questioned and "admitted to placing the camera in the room."
He agreed to a search of his cell phone, where investigators say they found "numerous videos of child pornography," including a sex act involving a prepubescent girl.
Budding was arrested Wednesday, and charged with voyeurism, illegal use of a minor in nudity oriented material and pandering obscenity involving a minor.
The owner of Aquatic Adventures tells 10TV he is "devastated." He says Budding was a retail clerk in the center's shop, and not an instructor or lifeguard.
The owner said, "The incident did not occur in any of our public areas and rest assured that the privacy of any customer was never compromised.
Police tell us they believe the teenage girl is the only local victim in this case.
Budding is in the Franklin County Jail held on $35,000 bond.
10TV was not able to reach his family for comment.
His attorney says Budding tells him this was accidental, and not intentional.
Aquatic Adventures issued the following statement on Thursday:
Since our inception over 12 years ago we at Aquatic Adventures have prided ourselves on the highest quality of service and the highest standard of business ethics.
The news of this recent incident has been devastating to everyone affiliated with our company.
Our staff did an incredible job in identifying the situation and because of their fast reaction we were able to diffuse the situation and secure the camera in advance of the perp gaining access to it. Again at no time was the camera ever in the possession of the perp, and no content has ever been viewed by anyone other than detectives at the Hilliard Police Department.
The incident did not occur in any of our public areas and rest assured that the privacy of any customer was never compromised.
We continue to take measures to ensure the safety and privacy of everyone entering the premises. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your continued support in the future.