A high school employee from Maryland, accused of secretly recording female students in a school’s changing room, is facing further criminal charges. Authorities have identified eight more alleged victims following an extended investigation.
Expanded Investigation Reveals More Victims
James Mulhern III, an employee at Walter Johnson High School in Montgomery County, now faces 12 counts of minor abuse. This comes after investigators found new videos showing 12 female students in various stages of undress.
The investigation was initiated when two students discovered a video camera in the theater’s control booth on April 7. After reviewing the memory card, they found recordings from inside the girls’ changing room and alerted school officials.
“James Mulhern III, a Walter Johnson High School employee, faces additional charges after investigators identified more victims,” stated Montgomery County Department of Police.
Police indicated that footage showed an adult male installing the camera before leaving. The school’s principal identified the individual as Mulhern, employed as a media services technician.
Search Warrants and New Evidence
Detectives executed search warrants at the school and Mulhern’s home in Clarksburg. They seized numerous electronic devices and valuable evidence.
Recovered evidence revealed eight additional victims, with footage dating back to 2015. Originally, only four victims had been identified when initial charges were pressed in April.
Mulhern appeared in court on Wednesday facing additional charges. A judge ordered his release on a $100,000 unsecured personal bond. Mulhern must avoid Walter Johnson High School, have no contact with minors, and only supervised contact with his 4-year-old son.
Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy commented that the newly discovered evidence intensified their concerns about the case.
Potential Consequences
Each count of minor abuse carries a maximum penalty of 25 years under Maryland law. If convicted on all counts, Mulhern could potentially face up to 300 years in prison.
Fox News Digital contacted the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for further comments.