Image sources: Mugshot of Christopher Sotelo, courtesy of El Paso Police Department, as published by the El Paso Times. Google Street View of Texas Bandits All-Stars, © Google, via Google Maps.
Cameras Found in Cheer Gym Restrooms
A former El Paso youth cheerleading coach, Christopher Sotelo, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly recording women and children with hidden cameras placed inside cheer gym restrooms.
According to the El Paso Times, at an October 7th bond hearing, Assistant District Attorney Cristina Viesca-Santos said that there may be “‘over 100 victims’” in this case.
Sotelo was a coach for the Texas Bandits All-Stars cheerleading gym. However, “Sotelo was fired from the cheerleading group after an investigation began when the hidden cameras were discovered on Aug. 23.” (El Paso Times)
He was first arrested on August 30, 2025, on two counts of invasive visual recording and bonded out of jail the same day.
He was arrested again on October 2 on an additional five counts and now faces a total of seven counts of invasive visual recording, a state jail felony under Texas Penal Code § 21.15.
The most recent charges stem from recordings allegedly made between August 7 and August 23, 2025, at the gym’s facility at 11540 Pellicano Drive in El Paso.
A teenager and a 6-year-old girl have been identified as victims. Other victims include women and other minors.
During a recent bond hearing, Judge Antonio Aun reduced Sotelo’s total bond. Sotelo has since bonded out and will be “under intensive supervision and [will] not be allowed…within 200 yards of the cheerleading facility.” (El Paso Times)
Details from the Criminal Affidavit
According to the criminal affidavit complaint, a “woman found a small black rectangular object — which turned out to be a small camera — on a bin facing the toilet inside a restroom. A small pen-like camera wrapped in toilet paper was found above the toilet in a second restroom.” (El Paso Times)
Police forensic analysis found video showing Sotelo “‘looking directly to the camera lens’ while placing the cameras” then leaving the restroom and turning off the lights. (El Paso Times)
The footage also showed a woman later discovering one of the cameras. According to the complaint, the second video showed two victims using the bathroom.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the El Paso Police Department at 915-832-4400, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 915-566-8477 (TIPS).
Civil Liability
The Texas Bandits All-Stars released a statement to parents and families, saying that they “DID press charges [against Sotelo], which led to his arrest.”
You can read the entire letter here.
Even though the gym has cooperated with the investigation, serious questions remain about what safety measures were in place before the alleged crimes occurred.
Firing a coach after an arrest is not enough to address deeper issues in prevention and oversight. Youth organizations have a continuing duty to ensure private spaces remain secure and to monitor staff conduct closely.
When safeguards fail or are never properly enforced, children and families are left vulnerable to harm.
Under civil law, organizations that employ individuals who commit acts of abuse or exploitation can be held liable for negligence.
Survivors may have the right to pursue claims against gyms or other institutions that failed to provide a safe environment.
Our Commitment to Survivors
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation nationwide, including cases involving hidden cameras and youth sports.
Survivors deserve justice, and enabling institutions must be held accountable.
If you or your child were secretly recorded or otherwise harmed by Christopher Sotelo or anyone else in a position of trust and authority, you may have legal options.
No one should have their privacy or dignity violated. Our trauma-informed attorneys can help you understand your rights and take the next step toward justice.
Every consultation is free and completely confidential.
Contact us today.
