UNION CITY — Police said they are asking for the public’s help in finding possible victims of a registered sex offender arrested last month on suspicion of multiple charges, including taping restroom users, authorities said.
In a statement Wednesday, police said a hidden camera was found Aug. 22 in a restroom at Starbucks, 32240 Dyer St. Detectives later identified Hayward resident David Lista as a suspect.
After investigators arrested Lista at his home Aug. 30, they obtained a search warrant and found additional evidence related to other crimes, police said.
Lista, 45, was arrested on suspicion of invading the privacy of a dressing room, multiple counts of invasion of privacy, and counts of possession or control of child pornography, and possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
He pleaded not guilty Sept. 5. He was in custody Wednesday at Santa Rita Jail on $75,000 bail and awaiting a pre-trial hearing Oct. 3 at Dublin’s East County Hall of Justice, according to county records.
In 2008, Lista pleaded no contest to drug and child pornography charges, and was convicted and sentenced to two years in state prison, the maximum allowable under a plea deal. According to previous reports by this news organization, Lista, a former English teacher at Mills High School in Millbrae, was caught videotaping 19 girls with a camera placed in a restroom’s false ceiling.
Lista’s recent employment as a plumber has led investigators to seek residents who may have employed him for services. Anyone who recently hired Lista or has questions connected to the case is asked to contact Union City police Detective Angela Fonseca at 510-675-5283 or afonseca@unioncity.org; or Detective Steven Fong at 510-675-5259 or sfong@unioncity.org.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180. Contact Harry Harris at 510-208-6443.
