Plain City Man Sentenced for Secretly Recording Minor in Bathroom

Robert Ashley Parks received 14-16 years in prison for 20 counts of illegally recording a teenage victim

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:41pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken smartphone screen, the shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the violation of privacy and the predatory nature of hidden recording devices.A broken smartphone screen reflects a faint red light, symbolizing the violation of privacy and the predatory nature of hidden recording devices.Plain City Today

A 44-year-old man from Plain City, Ohio has been sentenced to 14 to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to 20 counts of illegally recording a minor in a bathroom. The investigation revealed that Robert Ashley Parks concealed a phone in the bathroom to record a teenage victim while the child was undressed and showering. Parks admitted to making the recordings but claimed he was checking the teen for signs of self-harm.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences for individuals who violate the privacy and safety of minors through the use of hidden recording devices. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigations and strong prosecution to hold perpetrators accountable for these types of predatory crimes against children.

The details

According to the Union County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Robert Ashley Parks pleaded guilty to 20 counts of Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material, each a felony of the second degree. The investigation revealed that Parks had concealed a phone in a bathroom to record a teenage victim while the child was undressed and showering. The device was later discovered and turned over to law enforcement, leading to a search warrant and the recovery of 20 separate videos depicting the minor.

  • On April 10, 2026, Robert Ashley Parks was sentenced to an indefinite prison term of 14 to 16 years.

The players

Robert Ashley Parks

A 44-year-old man from Plain City, Ohio who was sentenced to 14-16 years in prison for illegally recording a minor in a bathroom.

David Phillips

The Union County Prosecuting Attorney who stated that Parks' actions were 'calculated and deeply invasive' and that the sentence ensures 'accountability and removes him from the community'.

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What they’re saying

“This case involved a calculated and deeply invasive violation of a child's privacy. The defendant's actions were deliberate, predatory, and criminal. This sentence ensures accountability and removes him from the community.”

— David Phillips, Union County Prosecuting Attorney

What’s next

Following his release from prison, Robert Ashley Parks will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences individuals can face for violating the privacy and safety of minors through the use of hidden recording devices. It underscores the importance of thorough investigations and strong prosecution to hold perpetrators accountable for these types of predatory crimes against children.