A quiet Ohio village is reeling after its mayor was arrested on disturbing voyeurism charges that police say were caught on camera.
Wesley Dingus, the mayor of Butler, Ohio, was taken into custody on February 13 after authorities say hidden camera footage showed him entering a teenage girl’s room and handling her underwear. Investigators allege the footage captured Dingus smelling four different pairs of the girl’s worn panties.
According to police, the teen — a high school student who had been staying at Dingus’ home — set up the concealed camera after growing suspicious that someone had been going through her belongings. Officers have not publicly explained why the girl was living at the mayor’s residence or how the two knew each other.
Authorities say the footage was recorded on January 13 after the teen received multiple motion alerts on her phone. She later turned the video over to investigators.
An incident report alleges the camera also captured the 48-year-old mayor touching himself over his clothing while handling the underwear.
Police attempted to schedule a meeting with Dingus as part of the investigation, but that meeting was later canceled on the advice of his attorney.
Dingus appeared in court on February 19 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released after posting 10 percent of a $10,000 bond. As part of his release conditions, he must wear a GPS ankle monitor and is barred from contacting the alleged victim.
The arrest marks the second time in less than a year that Dingus has faced criminal charges.
In August 2025, he was indicted on dereliction of duty, falsification, and aggravated and vehicular assault charges stemming from a July incident at a gas station. Prosecutors allege that Dingus used his car to strike a man he knew was wanted for a parole violation. Police said the suspect was hit twice before being detained. Dingus has pleaded not guilty in that case as well, and the matter remains pending in court.
Dingus has served as Butler’s mayor since 2022, first stepping into the role after his predecessor resigned and later winning election to a full term in the small village of fewer than 1,000 residents.
If convicted on the voyeurism charges, he could face up to one year behind bars and fines totaling $2,500.
Attempts to reach Dingus or his attorney for comment were unsuccessful.
Dirty Dingus Magee.
He must be kin to joe
Why is he still Mayor? Is the whole town all perverts?
They didn’t say what his party is but I bet he’s a DEMONCRAP!