Neal Sato, of San Bruno, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly videotaping Central Middle School female students changing clothing using a video camera hidden in a school office. Police suspect he used his position as a physical education instructor to direct certain students to change clothing in that office.

“We have six confirmed victims, but we have over 100 more images to go over right now. There could be more,” said San Carlos police Cmdr. Sandra Spagnoli.

Sato is charged with six counts of a lewd act with a child. The current charges carry a maximum penalty of 18 years in prison — eight years for the first charge and two years for each subsequent charge. All the confirmed victims are Central Middle School students and under 14, but police aren’t ruling out victims at other schools.

So far, FBI investigators have located more than 100 deleted digital images on one of two confiscated computers. The images date from October 2004 to as recently as November. The FBI is expected to complete its analysis of the first computer by the end of the week and conclude analysis of the second computer later this month, Spagnoli said.

Sato also served as assistant coach to the Sequoia High School girls varsity volleyball team and coached a high school level volleyball team for Quake City Volleyball Club, a nonprofit Bay Area volleyball league.

Police began investigating Sato on Nov. 23, when an eighth grade female student suspected he was secretly videotaping her. She reported it to a school official who contacted police. Investigators began questioning other girls and gained enough information to serve Sato with a search warrant at his home the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Sato was released from his position at Central Middle School shortly after the investigation began. He also worked at Abbott Middle School as a P.E. instructor and seventh grade math teacher, according to the school’s Web site. Police arrested Sato at Abbott yesterday and found another computer while serving a second search warrant.

Sato taught at Central Middle School for at least two years. He was currently working part time. It’s unknown how long he was teaching at Abbott and whether he was officially employed at other schools.

Sato’s picture was listed on the Central Middle School’s Web site as part of the sixth grade teaching team. He was one of two P.E. teachers and the only athletic director listed. Next to each teacher’s picture is a short comment. Sato’s said: “I enjoy taking pictures and traveling. My favorite places to visit are Yosemite and Hawaii. I love anything that has to do with volleyball. I also enjoy fishing.”

Central Middle School students return from winter break today. As of last night, parents had not been notified by school officials of the investigation or the arrest. San Carlos School District Board Member Mark Olbert knew about the arrest, but said he preferred not to comment on the incident. He referred all questions to Superintendent Patricia Wool, who did not return a late call yesterday.

Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.