A school principal has been arrested and charged after recording and listening devices were found in the girl’s locker and changing rooms at a school
A headteacher has been arrested after hidden cameras were discovered in the girls’ locker and changing rooms at a school.
Eric James, 53, was charged on Thursday with one count of intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral, or electronic communication and one count of breaking and entering a non-residence, according to court records. James, the principal of Brooke High School in Wellsburg, West Virginia, has been suspended from his role by the school district as the investigation continues.
A statement from the school district read: “The safety, security, and privacy of our students are fundamental responsibilities of our school system. Conduct that compromises those responsibilities will not be tolerated.”
Brooke County Sheriff Richard Beatty has stated that James was seen on video setting up a pen-like recording device, which was later found by a security guard.
Beatty stated: “When we opened up that first device, there was actual footage of him setting it in place and adjusting the camera angle to be sure he was getting what he was looking for.”
A criminal complaint has alleged a video file was unearthed showing a student changing in the school locker room, the Daily Mail reports. The security guard who found the recording devices reported the incident to the Sheriff’s Office, leading to an investigation being launched.
Officers have obtained search warrants for James’ home. The complaint claimed James admitted to placing the listening and recording devices in the locker and changing rooms.
Officer Beatty stated James has been preliminarily charged. She added: “It is a sensitive investigation. That is why we haven’t made public comment prior (to the news conference). We didn’t want to jeopardize where we were at currently in this investigation.”
Brooke County Prosecuting Attorney Allison Cowden has stated she believes the principal violated wiretapping laws and also entered into a school with the intention of committing a crime. The Attorney added James could face additional charges.
Cowden stated: “At this initial point in the investigation, which is essentially a little over 24 hours out, these were the charges that we could come up with to make sure that we could get him charged and get him off the streets.”
Superintendent Jeffrey Crook has stated members of the community have been left feeling “betrayed” from the teacher’s alleged actions. The officer added: “We all feel a little bit betrayed.”
One senior student penned on social media that they were shocked and confused by the principal’s arrest.
The individual wrote: “Mr. James was someone I looked up to. Someone I believed was there to protect us, guide us, and make sure we were okay. I recently even told him that I saw him as a father figure because of how much I respected him and trusted him. I genuinely believed he was someone who would always do the right thing.
“But as hurt and confused as I am, I also can’t stop thinking about the families and the women who may have been affected by all of this. Whatever they are going through right now, I can only imagine how difficult and overwhelming this situation must be for them and their families.”
Following James’ arrest three separate civil lawsuits and one class action have been filed against the teacher.