A West Virginia high school principal was arrested Thursday after authorities discovered four recording devices in the female locker rooms at Brooke High School in Wellsburg, according to school officials and law enforcement.
Eric James, 53, who served as principal of Brooke High School, was taken into custody and charged with two felony counts, including intentional interception of communications and breaking and entering a nonresidence. James remains held at the Northern Regional Jail in Marshall County on $100,000 bond.
The devices were found in the physical education locker rooms, including a separate locker room and a dressing area used by the school’s dance team, officials said. School administrators were notified of the investigation Wednesday after students were released, following a memo from Brooke County Schools that referenced a criminal investigation into allegations of a recording device in a locker room.
Law enforcement, school security, and staff removed the devices from campus, with additional recording equipment reportedly confiscated from James’ home. The school system stated it would hold meetings with students, parents, and staff to address safety concerns while the investigation continues.
The charges against James stem from allegations that he placed the devices to intercept private communications in areas where students were changing or dressing. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details about James’ alleged motives have been released by authorities.
Brooke County Schools emphasized in a statement that the safety, security, and privacy of students are fundamental responsibilities, and that any conduct compromising those values would be addressed. The school system did not provide additional comments beyond its initial memo and subsequent statement.