A Columbus restaurant co-owner is facing several charges connected to hidden cameras which were found.
Columbus Police Department arrested Dennis C. Thompson on September 29, 2022, at 11:17 A.M. in connection to an investigation by detectives. Thompson, which co-owned and was a chef, at the Animal Farm restaurant in downtown Columbus, was charged with six counts of sexual exploitation of children, six counts of knowingly using/installing a device, to observe, record underneath of through an individuals clothing, and eleven counts of unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance. He is being held without bond on the charges of sexual exploitation of children and unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance. The date for each count on each charge is labeled as September 1, 2022.
Conditions of the case include, “Stay away from person(s), Comment: from all victims”, according to jail documents. His first appearance in court was held at 9:00 A.M. on Friday, September 30, 2022.
The hidden cameras were placed inside some of the restrooms at the Animal Farm restaurant.
The restaurant posted the following on social media:
“As many have heard, one of our employees has been arrested for having hidden cameras in our restaurant restrooms. The acts which he is accused of are disgusting and horrifying beyond words, and are in no way in line with the values and beliefs of our business. He has since been removed from the restaurant and is not involved in any way with our business. These acts have nothing to do with other ownership, management, our staff, or the restaurant itself. From the moment we caught wind of the cameras, we have been working alongside the police in order to do everything we can to keep our staff, restaurant, and uptown community safe. Many of our staff are victims in this too but are doing everything we can to continue to provide an amazing dining experience to our guests, as well as give our staff the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. After hearing the news, all 26 of our amazing employees have decided to stick by The Animal Farm, which is something that we are eternally grateful for. We ask for your continued support as we try to weather this storm and keep this little restaurant that we love so much going.”
Multiple sources tell CNAW2NEWS.com, Thompson’s home was a part of the investigation as well and searched by investigators. Details surrounding what occurred at the home is unknown.
A mugshot has not been released at this time.
This is a developing story. Stay with CNAW2NEWS.com for more.
