Restaurant Worker Faces Identity Theft Charges After Hidden Camera Discovery

Double Felony Charges Rock Houston Restaurant

A disturbing case at a popular Houston-area restaurant has expanded beyond voyeurism charges after investigators uncovered what they believe is a broader pattern of deception. Bayson Elias Pu, 31, now faces a second felony charge for fraudulent use of identifying information after investigators determined he used a Social Security number belonging to a retired 66-year-old man from Las Vegas . The original charges stemmed from a hidden camera discovered inside a Lupe Tortilla bathroom that captured video of customers, including a child .

Officials told reporters that the Assistant District Attorney is considering upgrading the criminal charge from fraudulent use of identifying information to tampering with a government document . Investigators said they contacted the victim, who confirmed that it was his SSN and that he did not allow Pu to use it . The case highlights how modern privacy violations often intersect with identity crimes, creating compounding legal challenges for defendants.

Swift Discovery and Response

According to Hedwig Village Police Chief Justin Wood, the preliminary investigation shows the camera was allegedly installed on Tuesday, just after 6:30 p.m., and a female employee discovered it under the family bathroom sink around 7:10 p.m. The recording device was found by one of Lupe Tortilla's team members on Dec. 30, reportedly soon after its placement, and management was told immediately .

Investigators recovered a USB device connected to the camera and later identified multiple video files, with charging documents alleging at least one of the videos showed a child using the restroom . Wood said the device was motion-activated and, at one point, captured a still image of the person who appears to have installed it . Court documents stated that Pu is a Guatemalan national who had lived in Houston for approximately 2 years and that he worked as a dishwasher at Lupe Tortilla .

Immigration and Legal Complications

Police reached out to ICE and discovered that the resident alien card belonged to someone else born in 1930, but it had his information on it, making it a fictitious resident alien card and a fictitious Social Security card . Police say the ICE hold means Pu remains in custody while the investigation continues , adding another layer of complexity to an already serious criminal case.

Texas law treats invasive visual recording as a state-jail felony that can bring 180 days to two years in state jail and a fine, with legislative changes in 2025 broadening protections for places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy . The restaurant industry faces increasing scrutiny over employee background checks and security protocols as cases like this expose vulnerabilities in workplace safety measures.

Industry Impact and Future Implications

In a statement to reporters, Lupe Tortilla said it was cooperating with law enforcement and commended the team members and managers who reported the crime to authorities . The swift action by restaurant staff likely prevented additional victims, demonstrating the importance of employee vigilance in detecting suspicious activity.

This case represents a growing trend where privacy violations intersect with identity fraud, creating complex prosecutorial challenges. As businesses increasingly rely on diverse workforces, the incident underscores the need for enhanced verification processes and ongoing security training. Prosecutors will decide whether to file additional counts after they finish reviewing the footage , suggesting this case may continue to evolve as investigators uncover the full scope of the alleged crimes.