A West Virginia high school principal has been arrested after authorities say hidden recording devices were discovered in several areas where female students change clothes.
Eric James, 53, the principal of Brooke High School in Wellsburg, was arrested Thursday, Sept. 3, after investigators found four recording devices inside the school, according to local reports and court records.
James has been charged with two felony counts of breaking and entering and one felony count of intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral or electronic communication.
The disturbing discovery began Wednesday, Sept. 2, when a school custodian was cleaning and spotted what appeared to be an ink pen, Brooke County Sheriff Richard Beatty said during a press conference.
The employee realized the object was actually a recording device and immediately turned it over to authorities.
Investigators then conducted a sweep of Brooke High School and discovered three additional devices.
According to Beatty, two devices were found in an area where members of the school’s dance team change clothes. Another was located in the girls’ varsity locker room, while a fourth was found in the girls’ physical education locker room.
Authorities said they quickly identified James as a suspect after examining the footage stored on one of the devices.
“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,” Beatty said, according to West Virginia Metro News.
The sheriff said the investigation remains ongoing.
Brooke County Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Crook said during Thursday’s press conference that district officials learned about the devices the previous afternoon.
“Our main priority is our kids,” Crook said. “The kids feel betrayed. I think we all feel a little bit betrayed.”
Crook said the district is fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue assisting investigators.
In a separate public statement, Brooke County Schools said administrators would be meeting with students, parents and staff to provide support as the investigation continues.
James is currently being held on $100,000 bond.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14, according to court records.
An attorney for James did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations.
