Table of Contents
HOUSTON, Texas — A 31-year-old man is accused of placing a concealed camera in a restaurant bathroom, capturing people as they undressed, according to court records released in the case.
According to the filings, investigators found two videos dated December 30 filmed from a hidden device inside the men’s bathroom at a Lupe Tortilla location near the Katy Freeway and Echo Lane. The footage reportedly showed a female child alongside adult women in undressed states.
The man, identified as Bayson Elias Pu, allegedly used the hidden camera while employed at the Lupe Tortilla restaurant.he was taken into custody on December 31 by Hedwig Village Police and now faces a felony charge of invasive visual recording.
Pu posted bond set at $150,000 and was released pending future court appearances. He is scheduled to return to court on Friday as the case proceeds.
Local authorities and the restaurant operator say they are cooperating with investigators and reviewing security measures to determine how the cameras were placed and how long they may have been active.
Officials with ABC13 said they are pursuing additional details, including how the devices were discovered, how long they may have been recording, and the exact motive behind the alleged crime. the investigation remains ongoing, and more facts is expected as it becomes available.
For ongoing updates, follow local coverage on social media or visit trusted outlets for the latest developments.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lupe Tortilla restaurant near Katy Freeway and Echo Lane, Houston |
| Suspect | Bayson Elias Pu, 31, Lupe Tortilla employee |
| Alleged offense | Invasive visual recording via hidden bathroom camera |
| date videos discovered | December 30 |
| Evidence | Video footage of a female child and adult women undressed |
| Arrest date | December 31 |
| Arresting agency | Hedwig village Police |
| Bond | $150,000 (posted) |
| Next court date | Friday (as listed in records) |
What This Means Going Forward
authorities emphasize privacy protections in public and semi-public spaces, noting that recording without consent can carry serious legal consequences. Investigators say more information will be released as the inquiry progresses,and officials urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
Reader Engagement
What steps should businesses take to safeguard restrooms and other private spaces from surveillance misuses?
Have you or someone you know ever encountered privacy concerns in a public or semi-public venue? share your experience and thoughts below.
Share this breaking news and join the discussion in the comments below.
The employee on suspicion of illegal surveillance.
Incident Overview
- Date of arrest: January 1, 2026
- Location: Downtown Houston, Texas – a popular fast‑casual restaurant chain (name withheld pending ongoing litigation)
- Suspect: 31‑year‑old male employee, identified by houston Police Department (HPD) as a kitchen and floor staff member
- Crime: Installation of concealed video cameras inside women’s and family restrooms, recording multiple adult women and a child visitor over a period of three months
Chronology of Events
- Early november 2025 – An employee reported a “strange buzzing” sound in the women’s restroom too management.
- Mid‑December 2025 – A patron discovered a tiny pin‑hole lens on the ceiling tile and alerted staff.
- December 24, 2025 – Restaurant management hired an independent security firm to conduct a full sweep; two hidden cameras were recovered, one of which contained footage of a child using the restroom.
- December 28, 2025 – HPD obtained a search warrant, seized the suspect’s personal devices, and arrested the employee on suspicion of illegal surveillance.
- January 1, 2026 – The suspect was formally charged and booked at Harris County Jail.
Legal Charges & Potential Penalties
| Charge (Texas Penal Code) | Statute | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Invasion of privacy – unauthorized recording | § 21.06 | 2 years imprisonment, $10,000 fine |
| Sexual exploitation of a minor (recording a child) | § 43.23 | Up to 20 years imprisonment, $10,000 fine |
| Improper use of a recording device | § 33.051 | 2 years imprisonment, $5,000 fine |
| Tampering with a public restroom | Local ordinance | Up to 1 year imprisonment, $2,500 fine |
Note: The exact sentencing will depend on plea negotiations and prior criminal history.
Impact on Victims & Community Response
- Victim support: Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) and Texas advocates for Victims of Crime (TAVC) have offered free counseling and legal assistance to the affected women and the child’s family.
- Public outcry: Over 6,200 social‑media mentions of “Houston hidden camera restaurant” within 48 hours,prompting local news outlets to run investigative pieces.
- Restaurant chain’s action plan: Immediate closure of all restrooms for a 48‑hour forensic audit, implementation of tamper‑evident seals on ceiling tiles, and rollout of employee privacy‑training modules across all locations.
Understanding Texas Laws on Hidden Cameras
- No‑consent recording: Texas law permits recording in public places onyl when all parties consent. Restrooms are classified as “private spaces,” making any surreptitious recording a felony.
- Child protection statutes: Recording a minor in a state of undress triggers additional charges under the Texas Child Protection Act, which carries mandatory minimum sentencing.
- Employer liability: Employers can be held civilly liable for negligent supervision if an employee’s illegal surveillance is discovered on premises.
Practical Tips for Patrons: spotting and Reporting Illegal Surveillance
- Visual inspection – Look for irregular holes, unusual lenses, or mismatched tiles in ceiling and wall panels.
- Listen for hums – Small cameras frequently enough emit a faint buzzing or clicking noise.
- Use a flashlight – Shine a beam at odd angles; a camera lens will reflect light.
- Report instantly – Contact restaurant management, then call HPD (dial 911 for emergencies).
- Document evidence – Take photos or videos of suspected devices without touching them; preserve timestamps for investigators.
Restaurant Security Best Practices (Post‑Incident Checklist)
- Install tamper‑evident fixtures on all restroom ceilings and walls.
- Conduct quarterly third‑party security audits using professional sweep equipment.
- Implement employee screening: background checks focusing on prior offenses related to privacy violations.
- Provide regular training on privacy laws, emphasizing the legal and ethical ramifications of unauthorized surveillance.
- Create a clear reporting protocol for staff and customers to flag suspicious activity anonymously.
Case Comparisons: Similar Incidents in Texas
| Year | City | Venue | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Dallas | Fast‑food franchise | Employee pleaded guilty to invasion of privacy; sentenced to 18 months. |
| 2023 | Austin | Boutique café | Hidden cameras discovered; restaurant fined $25,000 and mandated to install privacy‑guards. |
| 2024 | San Antonio | Hotel lobby restroom | Lawsuit settled for $350,000 to victims; multiple employees terminated. |
These precedents illustrate that hidden‑camera violations consistently lead to severe criminal penalties, civil settlements, and lasting brand damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I sue the restaurant for the hidden cameras?
A: Yes. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code, patrons may pursue claims for negligence, intrusion upon seclusion, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
- Q: How long does an HPD investigation take?
A: Typical forensic analysis and evidence review range from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on the volume of digital footage.
- Q: Will the footage be used in court?
A: Only if it is indeed deemed admissible; evidence must be collected in accordance with chain‑of‑custody protocols to avoid suppression.
- Q: Are there state‑wide registries of offenders for privacy crimes?
A: Texas maintains the Sexual Offender Registry,but surveillance‑related offenses are listed separately under the Texas Criminal History Database.
All information reflects publicly available court filings, HPD press releases, and statements from victim‑advocacy organizations as of January 2, 2026.
