West Virginia principal suspended after recording devices found in girls’ locker rooms
Brooke High School Principal Suspended After Discovery of Hidden Cameras in Locker Rooms
WELLSBURG, W.Va. — The principal of Brooke High School was suspended on Wednesday after a school‑wide search uncovered multiple hidden recording devices in female physical‑education and dance‑team locker rooms. Eric James, 53, who has served as the school’s principal for several years, was taken into custody the following day on two felony counts.
According to a memo issued by Brooke County Schools, the discovery occurred “after students were released” on Wednesday. School security officers, staff members and local law‑enforcement officials worked together to remove the devices from the campus. Investigators later found additional devices at James’s home, prompting the arrest.
“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 memo read. The memo was sent Thursday to parents, staff and students and was followed by a statement from the school district that the incident would be “treated with the utmost seriousness.”
Four separate devices were located in the school’s female physical‑education locker rooms, a separate locker room, and a dressing area used by the dance team. While the devices were recovered, no evidence has yet been released indicating whether they were activated or used to record students. School officials have not identified a specific time frame for the alleged recordings.
James was charged on Thursday with two felony offenses: intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral or electronic communications; and breaking and entering a non‑residence. He is currently being held at the Northern Regional Jail in Marshall County, West Virginia, on a $100,000 bond.
“We will be meeting with students, parents, and staff to offer supportive measures while the investigations continue,” the school system said. “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.”
The investigation is being overseen by local law‑enforcement agencies and the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority. The school system is cooperating with investigators and has launched its own internal review to determine how the devices were able to be placed in the locker rooms.
Students and parents have expressed shock and concern over the breach of privacy. The school has assured that no student has been harmed and that the incident has not affected academic operations. The school district has also said it will provide counseling resources and additional security measures.
The incident has prompted a broader discussion about privacy and security in schools across the state. Brooke County Schools has pledged to review its policies and procedures regarding electronic surveillance and to reinforce its commitment to protecting student safety. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be released as more information becomes available.