A West Virginia high school principal was swiftly suspended Wednesday after authorities reportedly found recording devices hidden in several locker room areas on campus.
The criminal probe centers on Eric James, 53, the principal of Brooke High School in Wellsburg.
Investigators discovered four devices in female physical education locker rooms, including a separate locker room and a dressing area used by the school’s dance team, WTOV 9 reported.
“Yesterday, after students were released, Brooke County Schools was informed of a criminal investigation into allegations that a recording device was placed in a locker room at Brooke High School,” the district said in a Thursday memo, according to Lede News.
The devices were taken off school grounds with assistance from school security officers, staff members and law enforcement personnel, according to reports.
Authorities also reportedly seized additional devices from James’ residence, officials said.
James is being held on a $100,000 bond at the Northern Regional Jail in Marshall County, West Virginia, according to the state Magistrate Database and the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority.
He was charged Thursday with two felony counts: intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral or electronic communications, and breaking and entering a nonresidence.
The school system said it “will be meeting with students, parents, and staff to offer supportive measures while the investigations continue,” according to Lede News.
“The safety, security, and privacy of our students are fundamental responsibilities of our school system. Conduct that compromises those responsibilities will not be tolerated.
“The school system is cooperating fully with law enforcement and is also conducting its own investigations into the matter,” the school said.
