Family alleges private moments secretly recorded at Atlantic Beach rental home
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — A family’s vacation on the Grand Strand last summer turned nightmarish after they found cameras secretly recording their private activities in an Atlantic Beach rental home, according to a lawsuit filed last week in Horry County Common Pleas Court.
The 10-page complaint filed on Thursday names Elliott Realty and homeowners Tawian M. Livingston and Quincy J. Smallwood of Georgia as defendants, accusing them of negligence, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to the lawsuit, Elliott Realty served as the rental agent and failed to disclose that the home contained surveillance equipment.
Elliott Beach Rentals chief operating officer Brandon Cox told News13 on Monday the company hasn’t had a chance to review to review the filings, but doesn’t comment on pending litigation.
“That being said, we respect both the rights of property owners to protect their vacation investment property and for guests to enjoy their stay with us,” he said in an email.
News13 talked to Smallwood Monday afternoon, and he declined to comment.
It all began on July 29, 2023, when the family checked into the property at 303 32nd Ave S. and found security cameras “actively recording” their activities and conversations both inside and outside the home, the lawsuit said.
“The Plaintiffs were shocked to discover that the cameras were pointed at an outdoor shower and at the pool behind the home, where minor children and grandchildren were in various stages of disrobe while utilizing the pool, changing, and showering,” the suit alleges.
The family unplugged the cameras and eventually found a control panel that allowed them to “see and hear” what the defendants could — including one instance in which a minor was shown at least partially nude in an outdoor shower.
The situation became even more untenable after the family unplugged the equipment, the lawsuit alleges. Within two hours, an Elliott Realty employee called them and demanded that it be turned back on. The guests were then told to leave the property even though they had already paid for their vacation.
In a bid to force them out, the defendants remotely shut off the home’s internet access, air conditioning and other appliances, the lawsuit alleges.
As of Monday, the Elliott Beach Rental listing for the property online said an “exterior security camera” is present. The listing also shows multiple five-star reviews for the property.
A 22-year-old South Carolina law allows civil action for “wrongful interceptions” of electronic or oral communication without express permission.
📲 Download the News13 app to stay updated on the go
📧 Sign up for WBTW email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.
💻 Find today’s top stories on WBTW.com for the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.
The lawsuit asks for actual and punitive damages to be awarded after a jury trial.
* * *
Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
