Bucks Co. Counselor Accused Of Secret Bathroom Recordings To Face Trial

DOYLESTOWN, PA — A Bucks County family counselor, accused of secretly recording patients and staff with hidden cameras in the bathroom of his former Quakertown office and during counseling sessions, some with minors, will face trial after waiving his preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Jonathan Elliot Moyer, 55, of Alburtis, Lehigh County, is accused of 12 counts of interception of oral communications, one count of possession of an instrument of crime, and 13 counts of invasion of privacy. Charges were amended prior to the hearing to include additional victims.

Twenty-one victims have now been identified by authorities, including staff members and individuals who were seeking counseling services. Of the 12 individuals who fell victim to wiretapping-related charges, three were minors. In one instance, investigators said Moyer allegedly positioned a camera to capture an "up-the-shorts" video of an unsuspecting young girl during a counseling session.

Moyer is scheduled for formal arraignment in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas on June 30.

Jonathan Elliot Moyer, 55, of Alburtis, Lehigh County, is accused of 12 counts of interception of oral communications, one count of possession of an instrument of crime, and 13 counts of invasion of privacy. (Bucks County District Attorney's Office)

"The actions of the defendant represent a profound betrayal of trust, particularly impacting vulnerable individuals seeking help," said Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn. "Our office is committed to ensuring that those who violate the privacy and safety of others are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We stand with the victims and will pursue justice diligently."

The investigation began on March 3 when a county detective received information about an electronic storage device containing videos. One video showed a man, later identified as Moyer, setting up a recording device in his Quakertown office. The device also contained videos of unsuspecting females, including one who appeared to be young, using the bathroom.

Forensic examinations of seized devices, including a charging block camera from the Quakertown office bathroom, a key fob camera found on Moyer, and a microSD card from his residence, uncovered numerous additional videos, investigators said.

The recordings depicted more individuals using the bathroom and also captured surreptitious video and oral interceptions of individuals, some of whom were in counseling sessions with Moyer, investigators found. All identified victims were unaware of the recordings, with some victims captured multiple times, detectives said.

In one video involving a minor, investigators said Moyer is seen setting up a camera in his office just prior to a session, positioning it low with an upward-facing vantage. During the session, Moyer conducted an "exercise" that directed the minor to a specific spot in the room, directly in view of the camera. Detectives noted the minor was wearing shorts, suggesting Moyer's intent was to obtain an "up-the-shorts" video.

Thirteen separate individuals, including one minor, fell victim to invasion of privacy related charges, with investigators noting more than 20 separate videos of victims using the bathroom.

The investigation also revealed Moyer frequently requested urine samples from individuals, even those not there for addiction-related services, to "validate" drug tests.

In two separate videos, investigators said Moyer can be heard soliciting two different female victims to provide urine samples. One victim politely protested, having already provided a sample, while another succumbed to Moyer's request and provided a sample in a small cup, all of which was clearly captured on video.

Through interviews and investigation, authorities learned that multiple victims were also victims of past sexual trauma. In some instances, Moyer was aware of this past trauma and the reason they were seeking counseling services from him.

Moyer was the program director for Empower Life Coaching & Counseling, with offices in Bally, Berks County, and at 523 W. Broad Street in Quakertown. His areas of practice included drug and alcohol, anxiety, parent-child interaction, and family sessions.