Los Osos High School Hidden Camera Lawsuit

In late August 2021, a Los Osos High School staff member — Assistant Varsity Football Coach and boys’ locker room attendant, David Riden — was arrested and criminally charged after authorities say he placed a hidden camera inside a girl’s bathroom on campus. Searches of the 52-year-old man’s home and car uncovered evidence connecting him to the secret camera, along with several other electronic devices.

If your child is or was a student at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and you are concerned about this appalling invasion of privacy and exploitation of minors, please contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP today. Our attorneys are currently investigating the situation and speaking with other parents about their options. We offer a free and confidential consultation and can help hold those responsible for this breach of trust accountable and protect your child’s privacy throughout.

High School Assistant Coach David Riden Arrested, Charges Filed

The chief suspect in the case, David Riden, was initially arrested on charges of invasion of privacy before charges were upgraded to possession and production of child pornography.

On August 30, 2021, the San Bernardino County District Attorney filed three felony charges against Riden including one felony count of possession of child or youth pornography (PC 311.11), and two felony counts of using a minor for sex acts (PC311.4).

If convicted, all these offenses will require David Riden to register as a sex offender pursuant to Penal Code 290.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled on September 8, 2021 in Department 19 at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Courthouse. Riden remains in custody and is currently being held on $500,000 bail.

READ THE CRIMINAL COMPLAINT

The hidden camera was discovered by another staff member, who immediately notified the authorities. A review of campus security footage around connected Riden with the camera and allowed authorities to obtain a search warrant.

According to police, Riden has been employed by the Los Osos High School since 2015 and served as an assistant football coach and boys locker room attendant. Following the arrest, he resigned from his position and is no longer employed by the school.

Los Osos High School is in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District. District Superintendent Mathew Holton released the following statement:

“The Chaffey Joint Union High School District and Los Osos High School are deeply concerned about this disturbing incident and will not tolerate actions that infringe on the privacy of others. We immediately reported the incident to police after the camera device was discovered by a Los Osos staff member and are cooperating fully with their investigation. It was through a review of the school’s perimeter cameras that the suspect, David Riden, was identified. Riden had been the Boys’ Locker Room Attendant and assistant football coach. Following his arrest, he resigned from his positions and is no longer employed by the District. We have committed to do all we can to provide support and counseling for our students during this time. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, we cannot comment further.”

Those with any relevant information about this case have been urged to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, Detective Bureau or call We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME to make an anonymous report.

What Parents Can Do

If your child has attended Los Osos High School in the years since 2015, you have every right to be outraged. You and your child have a reasonable expectation of privacy and safety when attending school and, as a parent, you have to trust that the school faculty will protect students. That trust was irretrievably broken in this case. While the perpetrator will likely face stiff criminal penalties, where does that leave the minor victims? In many cases like this, institutional failings allow predators like David Riden to continue to operate – even after reasonable suspicion or reports have been filed. In fact, in an interview with ABC7, a parent of a former student disclosed that her daughter always felt uncomfortable around Riden. It is likely that the warning signs were there around coach Riden and the school should have done more to protect students.

If you believe you or your child may be a victim of David Riden, please call the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department Rancho Cucamonga Station and ask to speak with one of the following:

Sergeant David Page   (909) 477-2851

Sergeant Jennifer Burkhart (909) 387-3615

How Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP Can Help You & Your Child

At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we can help victims get justice for what has happened. We can take steps to protect your child’s privacy, hold those responsible for letting this happen accountable, and even effect organizational change that may help prevent an incident like this from happening again. We understand that this situation is very difficult for parents and victims alike, but we are here to help.

The attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP are nationally recognized leaders in personal injury and civil litigation. We’ve recovered billions of dollars for victims of negligence and other intentional acts of harm. We have significant experience dealing with large corporate, governmental, and educational organizations – including a $20.5 million dollar verdict against the Chaffey Joint Union High School district.