Middlesboro Man Charged With Eavesdropping Now Facing Child Porn Offenses

From WRIL The Big One -

Ryan Hoskins - BCDC

As we previously reported, 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 eavesdropping and drug charges.

On Monday, January 12th, 39-year-old Ryan Hoskins was additionally charged by MPD Sgt. Bucky Harris with (5) five counts of possession of matter portraying a sex performance by a minor over the age of 12, but under 18 - 1st offense. The charges were lodged based on evidence found during a search warrant. More forensic evidence is being examined.

The investigation began on Friday, January 2nd, when a woman reported that her Wi-Fi modem had been stolen from her apartment. The woman 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. She also reported discovering a small camera under the television stand in her living room, which she believed had been placed there by Hoskins.

An additional neighbor came forward reporting his three children had discovered a camera under the television stand in their living room. He said that Hoskins had previously been inside his apartment to babysit.

A search warrant was obtained for Hoskins’ residence, where officers found Hoskins 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 drug paraphernalia.

At the time, 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.