Middlesboro Man Arrested After Investigation Into Eavesdropping and Related Offenses

From Middlesboro Police Department -

Ryuan Hoskins - BCDC

The Middlesboro Police Department arrested a Middlesboro man on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following an investigation that began with a report of stolen property and led to the discovery of multiple alleged criminal offenses.

39-year-old Ryan Hoskins, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, was arrested at approximately 5:05 p.m. at his apartment at 41 Cumberland Village Apartment Homes.

The investigation began on Friday, January 2, 2026, when Lauren Kirby reported to the Middlesboro Police Department that her Wi-Fi modem had been stolen from her apartment. Kirby stated she believed Hoskins, her neighbor, had entered her apartment and taken the modem. Hoskins had previously been given a key to the apartment to feed her dogs while she was out of town.

Kirby also reported discovering a small camera under the television stand in her living room, which she believed had been placed there by Hoskins.

Following that report, another neighbor, Lyn Bauer, came forward and reported that his three children had discovered a camera under the television stand in their living room. Bauer stated Hoskins had previously been inside his apartment to babysit.

Based on the information provided, a search warrant was obtained for Hoskins’ residence. Sgt. Bucky Harris and other Middlesboro Police Department officers executed the warrant and located Hoskins, who was hiding under a mattress in the apartment.

During the search, officers recovered multiple computers, electronic devices, cell phones, and small cameras. In the bathroom, officers also located a methamphetamine pipe, multiple needles, and a spoon.

Hoskins was taken into custody and charged with two counts of possession of an eavesdropping device, six counts of eavesdropping, one count of receiving stolen property, one count of tampering with physical evidence, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested on an outstanding Bell County trafficking warrant and a fugitive warrant from the state of Tennessee.

Hoskins was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.

The investigation remains ongoing.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.