Eric James, 53, was suspended as principal of Brooke High School in Wellsburg, West Virginia, on Wednesday after recording devices were discovered in multiple girls’ locker rooms.
James was arrested and charged Thursday with two felonies: one count of intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral or electronic communications, and one count of breaking and entering a nonresidence. He is being held at the Northern Regional Jail in Marshall County on $100,000 bond, according to the state Magistrate Database and the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority.
Officials said four devices were found in 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. The devices were removed from campus with the help of school security officers, staff and law enforcement.
Additional devices were reportedly confiscated at James’ home, officials said.
The school system addressed the discovery in a Thursday memo. “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 memo stated, according to Lede News.
The district pledged immediate action to support those affected. “The school system is cooperating fully with law enforcement and is also conducting its own investigations into the matter,” the memo continued.
“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 added.
The district also said it “will be meeting with students, parents, and staff to offer supportive measures while the investigations continue,” according to Lede News.
James had served as principal of Brooke High School prior to his suspension. The investigation remains ongoing as both law enforcement and school officials continue to examine the scope of the alleged recordings.
The discovery has shaken the Brooke County community, where parents and students are now grappling with questions about how long the devices may have been in place and what footage they may have captured.
James remains in custody at the Northern Regional Jail pending further legal proceedings.