West Virginia High School Principal Suspended Amid Locker Room Surveillance Scandal

School authorities have placed a West Virginia high school principal on immediate suspension following the discovery of recording devices in several locker rooms. The principal, Eric James, 53, served at Brooke High School in Wellsburg and is at the center of a criminal investigation.

Officials reported that four devices were identified in female physical education locker rooms. These included a separate locker room and a dressing area used by the school’s dance team, according to WTOV 9.

A memo from Thursday stated, “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,” as mentioned by Lede News.

The discovered devices were removed from the campus with the cooperation of school security, staff, and law enforcement. Besides, additional devices were reportedly found and confiscated at James’ home.

Eric James is currently held at the Northern Regional Jail in Marshall County, West Virginia, with a bond set at $100,000. The charges include two felonies: one for intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral, or electronic communications, and another for breaking and entering a nonresidence.

“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 affirmed. They are actively cooperating with law enforcement and conducting internal investigations. Moreover, meetings with students, parents, and staff are scheduled to offer support during ongoing investigations, as shared by Lede News.