Eric James, 53, the suspended principal of Brooke High School, faces felony charges after recording devices were allegedly found in multiple locker rooms. (Credit: WVDOC)
WELLSBURG, W.Va – School officials suspended a West Virginia high school principal Wednesday after recording devices were reportedly found in multiple locker rooms.
Dig deeper:
The criminal investigation involves Eric James, 53, who was the principal of Brooke High School in Wellsburg.
Four devices were found in female physical education locker rooms, including a separate locker room and a dressing area used by the school’s dance team, according to WTOV 9.
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What they’re saying:
“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 school system said in a Thursday memo, according to Lede News.
The devices were removed from campus with assistance from school security officers, staff members and law enforcement, according to reports. Additional devices were reportedly seized from James’ home.
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What’s next:
James 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.
He was charged Thursday with two felonies: intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral or electronic communications and breaking and entering a nonresidence.
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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,” officials said.
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