A West Virginia principal has been suspended and faces criminal charges after recording devices were discovered in multiple girls' locker rooms at Brooke High School in Wellsburg. Eric James, 53, was suspended Wednesday.
Officials reported finding four devices in areas used by female students, including the general physical education locker rooms and a separate area designated for the school's dance team. The discovery prompted a criminal investigation launched by school administrators after they were informed on Thursday.
School security officers, staff, and law enforcement collaborated to remove the devices from the campus. Authorities also reportedly confiscated additional devices from James's home.
James is currently being held at the Northern Regional Jail in Marshall County, West Virginia, on a $100,000 bond. He has been charged with two felony counts: intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral, or electronic communications, and breaking and entering a non-residence.
The Brooke County Schools system issued a memo stating its commitment to the safety, security, and privacy of its students. The system plans to meet with students, parents, and staff to offer support as the investigation proceeds. The school system is cooperating fully with law enforcement and conducting its own internal investigation into the matter.