Tybee Island bar owner speaks after employee arrested over hidden bathroom camera

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - North Beach Bar and Grill owner George Spriggs said he was shocked when he received a phone call from his employees about hidden cameras placed in his restaurant’s bathroom.

“The individual has stated that he has done it before, but we have no idea how long it’s been done, how many times,” Spriggs said.

Chase was an off and on employee at the bar since 2018.

Employees discovered the cameras last week. On Tuesday, Tybee Island police arrested 48-year-old Larry Walter Chase on a charge of unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance.

You can read more about initial reaction from residents and details from the police report HERE.

“It looked like a vape to me, but the way that it was hidden in the bathroom it was hidden under a shelf,” Spriggs said.

Police set up email for potential victims

Tybee Island police said they have received a large influx of phone calls and emails from people who believe they may have been unlawfully recorded during the incident.

The department has established a dedicated email address, victiminfo@cityoftybee.gov , for potential victims.

Police ask anyone who believes they may have been recorded to email their contact information, the date or dates involved, and a photo of potential victims, including themselves or their children. Police said photos taken on the day of a visit to North Beach Bar and Grill may help detectives identify clothing.

Anyone who has already contacted police during the investigation does not need to resubmit their information.

Police said preliminary information suggests the suspect has been affiliated with the restaurant since 2018 and asked the public to remain patient during the process.

GBI joins investigation

When police searched Chase’s home, investigators say they recovered more electronic devices. The department reached out to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to search the contents of those items.

Spriggs said the GBI estimates it will be a couple of weeks before investigators can provide full details on the investigation.

Community, mayor’s reaction

The bar has been in operation since the 1990s. Residents have voiced support for the business following the arrest.

“You hope that what you have given to the community, that it has taken root and in times like this, you can receive that back from the community, and we certainly have,” Spriggs said.

The bar purchased devices that can detect hidden cameras in an effort to prevent further illegal surveillance.

Tybee Island Mayor Brian West said he has not seen something like this during his time on the island. He said he believes the North Beach bathrooms are safe.

“We’ve cleaned it up, it’s gone, and it’s going to continue to be a great place for great food and great times,” West said.