Restaurant Worker Arrested for Hidden Camera in Family Bathroom

Discovery Shocks Popular Houston Restaurant

A vigilant employee at a Lupe Tortilla location on Houston's Katy Freeway made a disturbing discovery Tuesday evening when they found a motion-activated camera hidden under the family bathroom sink, just 40 minutes after it was allegedly installed . Bayson Elias Pu, a 31-year-old dishwasher at the restaurant, now faces felony charges for invasive visual recording after allegedly placing the device .

The employee immediately reported the finding to their general manager, who promptly contacted police . Restaurant staff was extremely forthcoming and helpful with the investigation, according to Hedwig Village Police Chief Justin Wood . The motion-activated camera wasn't recording continuously during the brief 30-minute window it remained undetected .

Two video files recovered from the device allegedly show a female child and an adult woman using the restroom, including footage of their buttocks . The device also captured a still image of the person who appears to have installed it , providing crucial evidence for investigators.

Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation

Pu was arrested on December 31, 2025, and is currently being held in Harris County Jail with a $100,000 bond . His next court appearance is scheduled for January 5 . Additional court records list an immigration violation hold , suggesting potential federal complications beyond the state felony charge.

Authorities said that in addition to hiding the camera, Pu was also using false resident documents and was allegedly not cooperating when confronted about either the camera or the false documents . The invasive visual recording charge carries serious penalties as a state jail felony in Texas.

Restaurant Response and Industry Implications

Lupe Tortilla confirmed that the recording device was discovered by a restaurant staff member shortly after its placement on December 30, 2025, and restaurant management took immediate action by contacting local authorities . The company stated it places the highest priority on the safety, privacy, and well-being of its guests and team members, and is cooperating fully with the Hedwig Police Department .

For more than four decades, Lupe Tortilla has been proud to serve the Houston community and remains committed to maintaining the trust of guests, neighbors, and team members . The restaurant chain praised its staff's quick thinking and immediate response, which prevented what could have been a much more extensive privacy violation.

Protecting Privacy in Public Spaces

This incident highlights the vulnerability of public restrooms and the critical role employee vigilance plays in protecting customer privacy. The swift discovery prevented potential hours or days of unauthorized recording, demonstrating how workplace awareness can serve as a crucial safeguard against predatory behavior.

The case underscores the importance of businesses maintaining robust security protocols and fostering environments where employees feel empowered to report suspicious activities immediately. As hidden camera technology becomes increasingly miniaturized and accessible, establishments must balance customer privacy expectations with the reality that bad actors can exploit positions of trust and access.