Woman says phone recorded her, others in bathroom of Oceanside Italian restaurant

A San Diego college student and her best friend reported being recorded on a hidden cell phone in the bathroom at Dominic’s Italian Restaurant in Oceanside.

Oceanside police confirmed Monday that on July 18 they responded to the restaurant on S. Harbor Drive after a report that a cell phone was found concealed in the restroom.

The cell phone, according to police, belonged to a juvenile employee of the restaurant who was detained and then released back to family, Oceanside police said. OPD said the suspect's cell phone was found concealed inside a storage container in the restroom.

There were no charges pending against the subject. An investigation is ongoing.

Ryann Kelly, a San Diego college student, said she and her friend discovered the phone when it fell out of a cupboard in the restroom.

“I’d never been in a situation like that before,“ Kelly said. “She was like, 'Oh my gosh, it’s recording."

Upon further examination, Kelly said there were over 100 videos of people using the restroom on that phone. Kelly said the videos she saw were disturbing. Both men, women, and young girls were in different stages of undress in the videos.

She was concerned they might be sold or shown on the internet.

“I just think it is like honestly, to take advantage of people who are just trying to have a good time and are spending a lot of money to come to your restaurant."

“To me, like that’s so disgusting how you would ever do that?" Kelly said

Kelly’s friend stuffed the phone in her purse and then gave it to responding police officers.

At Dominic's, NBC 7 asked to see the manager or restaurant owner. A woman with the restaurant, who did not identify herself, spoke with NBC 7. She said she was not the manager nor the owner, and that she knew nothing about the complaint.

“Everybody else in the restaurant was like thanking me for it,” Kelly said.

Kelly is happy to be home for summer break. The prospect of returning is unsettling.

“I would honestly like to see the restaurant shut down. Going back to Oceanside just gives me anxiety because, what else is going on?” Kelly said.

Detectives from OPD's Family Protection unit are taking the lead on the investigation. They are currently attempting to locate other victims.

If there is anyone who has additional information on this investigation, please contact Detective Liciana Del Castillo at (760) 435-4377.