Picayune man facing 17 felony counts after being accused of taking unlawful images with a hidden camera

Ryan Howard of Picayune is facing 17 felony counts related to this case

PICAYUNE, Miss. (WXXV)- A Picayune man is behind bars and facing 17 felony charges following a year-long investigation into images taken of people using a hidden camera.

Ryan Howard is being held at the Pearl River County jail on the specific charges of Photographing or filming another without permission where there is an expectation of privacy.

This investigation began back on January 14, 2025, when Picayune Police executed a search warrant at Howard’s home on Glenwood Street and recovered over 50 pounds of marijuana.

During that search, police say they obtained evidence suggesting that people were being photographed or filmed without their permission.

Police obtained a second search warrant to obtain a hidden camera from Howard’s home, but it had already been removed.

However, other electronic devices from the home were submitted to the MS Attorney General’s Office for processing, which led to Howard’s arrest on the 17 felony counts on March 4.

Four victims have been identified in this case, ranging from 16 to 18 years old.