School administrators immediately suspended a West Virginia high school principal Wednesday after officials reportedly discovered recording devices placed in multiple locker rooms.
The criminal investigation involves Eric James, 53, who served as principal of Brooke High School in Wellsburg.
Officials said four devices were found in the female physical education locker rooms, including a separate locker room and another dressing area used by the school’s dance team, according to WTOV 9.
“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,” a Thursday memo from the school system said, according to Lede News.
The devices were removed from campus with the help of school security officers, staff and law enforcement, according to reports.
Additional devices were reportedly confiscated at James’ home, officials said.
James is being held at the Northern Regional Jail in Marshall County, West Virginia, on $100,000 bond, according to the state Magistrate Database and the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority.
He was charged Thursday with two felony counts, including one count of intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral or electronic communications and one count of 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.
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