Probable cause claim: Neck City man recorded secret nude videos at Joplin fitness center

 

A Neck City man is being held on $250,000 surety bond or $60,000 cash after being charged with seven felony counts of invasion of privacy and a single count of possession of child pornography.

Joshua Simpson, 43, allegedly recorded and distributed nude videos of the tanning bed area at Colaw Fitness, 2607 E. 7th Street, Joplin.

The women were unaware they were being videoed, by a man who identified himself on the Discord application as #joplinpeeper.

On March 19, 2025, the Missouri Southern State University Police Department (MSSU PD) requested investigative assistance from the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force (SMCCTF) regarding a report of the nonconsensual recording and dissemination of private sexual images and videos involving MSSU students. 

The media appeared to have been captured using a hidden recording device. The user suspect was later identified as Joshua B. Simpson.

The probable cause statement says 22 files were posted including six victims that appeared to be "covert recordings made in a private setting."

The images included fully nude photos.

"The content remains consistent with covert, consensual recordings taken in a tanning room."

"Simpson admitted to having knowledge of a hidden camera at Colaw Fitness and he acknowledged that he viewed and disseminated illicit media from both his residence and his places of employment."

Six victims have been identified, the probable cause said "each of whom confirmed they were unknowingly recorded while using the tanning beds at Colaw Fitness, located at 2607 E. 7th Street, Joplin, Missouri."

At least one of the women videoed was under 18.

If Simpson is able to post bond, he will be required to wear an electronic monitor and will not be allowed near any place that has dressing rooms or where people have an expectation of privacy, according to Jasper County Circuit Court online records.

The investigation was handled by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.