A family restroom at a popular Lupe Tortilla along the Katy Freeway is at the center of a disturbing criminal case, after staff found a motion-activated camera tucked under the sink, and police arrested one of their own employees.
Investigators say the tiny device had already recorded at least two clips that included an adult and a child before it was discovered. Hedwig Village officers later detained a 31-year-old worker when he showed up for his next shift, and he now faces a felony invasive-visual-recording charge.
What investigators say
Hedwig Village Police Chief Justin Wood told KHOU the camera was allegedly installed just after 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Detectives initially recovered two videos. Wood said the device was motion-activated and, at one point, captured a still image of the person who appears to have installed it.
According to the chief, staff members spotted the device under the sink in the family restroom, realized something was very wrong, and quickly called the police.
Arrest and booking
Court filings identify the suspect as 31-year-old Bayson Elias Pu. Records show Hedwig Village officers detained him on Dec. 31 when he arrived for work. ABC13 reports Pu was booked on a felony count of invasive visual recording and was granted $150,000 bond, which he later posted.
The station also reported officers said Pu was not cooperative when they questioned him about the hidden camera and the documents he provided to get the job.
Evidence and identity questions
According to KHOU, investigators say the suspect allegedly used a resident-alien card and a Social Security card that turned out to be fictitious. An ICE check tied the resident-alien number to a person born in 1930.
The station’s review of court paperwork says the recovered clips show people undressing, and detectives pulled an image from the device that appears to show the installer’s face. Investigators are still tracing the device and combing through the footage as the case moves forward.
Legal context
Texas law treats invasive visual recording as a criminal offense under Texas Penal Code §21.15, available via texas.public.law. The statute generally classifies the conduct as a state-jail felony that can bring 180 days to two years in state jail and a fine.
Legislative changes in 2025 broadened protections for places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and added reporting consequences in some situations. When a child is involved, courts follow special evidence and sealing procedures under the code, including rules set out in Article 38.451, which is published on texas.public.law.
What’s next
Pu is scheduled to return to court on Friday, according to ABC13. Prosecutors will decide whether to file additional counts after they finish reviewing the footage.
Hedwig Village police said the Lupe Tortilla location has cooperated with investigators as the inquiry continues.
