Donald Hemphill, the 59-year-old owner of the Dog Dayz Inn, is currently being held in the Volusia County Branch Jail without bond after being charged with 10 counts of digital voyeurism and 11 counts of video voyeurism of a child. The situation reportedly came to light when employees at the New Smyrna Beach facility discovered a hidden camera tucked inside an electrical outlet in the bathroom.
As reported by True Crime News, the discovery triggered an immediate response from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. The department brought in detectives from its specialized Child Exploitation Unit to execute a search warrant and investigate the premises located at 1765 Edgewater Canal Road.
The discovery process was detailed by the sheriff’s office in a pinned comment on their social media page, where they explained, “For those wondering how the camera was found: An image from the camera was discovered first, on the defendant’s phone. That led to a closer inspection of the bathroom outlet and discovery of the camera.”
The camera was reportedly installed five months ago
Once the authorities were involved, the investigation moved quickly to uncover the extent of the recording activities. During the subsequent investigation, Hemphill reportedly admitted that he had installed the illicit device four or five months prior to its discovery.
A search of his phone yielded multiple video files that reportedly captured various women and a minor in different states of undress without their knowledge or consent. Investigators have since confirmed that these files originated from the camera hidden within the bathroom outlet.
The technical setup involved a camera directly connected to the electrical outlet, a detail that was later highlighted in photographs released by the sheriff’s office to demonstrate how the device was concealed. Beyond the immediate charges, the investigation into Hemphill’s background has revealed his prior career as a police officer in Illinois.
During the time of his arrest, body-worn camera footage captured by the sheriff’s office reportedly showed Hemphill wearing a “thin blue line” patch on his clothing. This specific emblem is widely recognized as a symbol meant to show support for law enforcement. Sheriff Mike Chitwood addressed the background of the suspect during a press conference, confirming these details regarding Hemphill’s past professional life.
The legal proceedings are currently moving forward with Hemphill remaining in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail. Because he is held without bond, he will remain behind bars as the case against him proceeds through the court system. The facility at 1765 Edgewater Canal Road remains the center of this ongoing law enforcement inquiry, as detectives continue to process the digital evidence recovered from the phone.
Published: Sep 15, 2026 12:15 pm