Ex-Sunset Ridge School Custodian Arrested for Alleged Bathroom Filming

David Garcia-Espinal accused of secretly recording students and staff over several years

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A former custodian at Sunset Ridge School in Northfield, Illinois has been arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly hiding a video camera in a school bathroom and recording students and staff without their knowledge or consent. David Garcia-Espinal, 46, worked at the school from 2015 to 2020 and had a history of inappropriate behavior, including prior incidents of taking pictures of women in restrooms and masturbating in theater bathrooms.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and oversight when hiring contractors to work in schools, as well as the need for robust policies and safeguards to protect student and staff privacy. The alleged actions of Garcia-Espinal have likely caused significant trauma and distress for the victims.

The details

Garcia-Espinal was employed as a custodian through the Smith Maintenance Company and also worked as a cook through OrganicLife at Sunset Ridge School. In 2020, he allegedly hid a video camera in a school bathroom and recorded students and staff without their knowledge or consent. After the incident was discovered, Garcia-Espinal fled the country before he could be arrested. He was recently located and apprehended in Los Angeles on February 19, 2026.

  • In 2010, Garcia-Espinal was caught taking pictures of women in a movie theater restroom.
  • In 2012, Garcia-Espinal admitted to entering a women's bathroom to masturbate at two different movie theaters.
  • In 2012, Garcia-Espinal pleaded guilty to identity fraud and was sentenced to probation.
  • In 2013, Garcia-Espinal was fined for violating his probation.
  • From 2015 to 2020, Garcia-Espinal worked as a custodian and cook at Sunset Ridge School, where he allegedly recorded students and staff in the bathroom.

The players

David Garcia-Espinal

A 46-year-old former custodian and cook at Sunset Ridge School who is accused of secretly filming students and staff in the school's bathroom over several years.

Sunset Ridge School District 29

The school district that employed Garcia-Espinal through third-party vendors, despite his history of inappropriate behavior.

Smith Maintenance Company

The company that employed Garcia-Espinal as a custodian at Sunset Ridge School.

OrganicLife

The company that employed Garcia-Espinal as a cook at Sunset Ridge School.

Edward Strange

The superintendent of Sunset Ridge School District 29 at the time of the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and oversight when hiring contractors to work in schools, as well as the need for robust policies and safeguards to protect student and staff privacy. The alleged actions of Garcia-Espinal have likely caused significant trauma and distress for the victims.