School officials in West Virginia took immediate action on Wednesday by suspending the principal of Brooke High School after discovering recording devices in several locker rooms. A criminal investigation is centered on Eric James, aged 53, who held the position of principal at the school located in Wellsburg.
Investigators reportedly found four recording devices in the female physical education locker rooms. These areas included a separate locker room and a dressing area used by the school’s dance team. The discovery came to light after school hours, prompting Brooke County Schools to announce an inquiry into these serious allegations through a memo on Thursday.
“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 stated.
Further reports indicated that school security officers, along with staff and law enforcement, worked together to remove the devices from the campus. Additionally, more equipment was reportedly seized during a search at Eric James’ residence.
James was detained in the Northern Regional Jail in Marshall County, West Virginia, with a bond set at $100,000 according to the state Magistrate Database and the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority. He is facing two serious charges: one for intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral, or electronic communications, and another for breaking and entering a nonresidential area.
The Brooke County School system pledged to engage with students, parents, and staff to provide necessary support while investigations progress. Acknowledging the breach, the school issued a statement emphasizing their dedication to maintaining the safety, security, and privacy of students. “Conduct that compromises those responsibilities will not be tolerated,” the statement noted. The school is collaborating closely with law enforcement and is conducting its own review of the incident.