A West Virginia high school principal was suspended after officials reportedly found four recording devices in multiple female locker rooms. The devices were discovered Wednesday at Brooke High School in Wellsburg, including areas used for physical education and by the school’s dance team. Eric James, 53, faces two felony charges and remains held on bond while criminal and school investigations continue. Officials said the school system is providing support to students, parents, and staff.
| 1) | Devices reportedly discovered across female locker rooms |
| 2) | Principal suspended as criminal inquiry begins |
| 3) | Charges and detention details disclosed |
| 4) | School and law enforcement response |
| 5) | Support measures and ongoing investigations |
Devices reportedly discovered across female locker rooms
Officials said four recording devices were found Wednesday at Brooke High School in Wellsburg, West Virginia. The devices were reportedly located in multiple female locker room areas, including the school’s physical education locker rooms, a separate female locker room, and another dressing area used by the dance team.
School security officers, staff members, and law enforcement personnel helped remove the devices from the campus. Officials also said additional devices were confiscated at Eric James’ home. The reported locations and number of devices are part of an investigation and do not, by themselves, establish the circumstances surrounding their placement or use.
Principal suspended as criminal inquiry begins
Eric James, 53, who served as principal of Brooke High School, was immediately suspended by school administrators after officials were informed of the criminal investigation. The suspension followed the reported discovery of a device in a locker room and the subsequent identification of additional devices in other female changing areas.
The school system said it learned of the allegations after students had been released Wednesday. In a memo issued Thursday, officials said the matter involved an allegation that a recording device had been placed in a locker room at the high school. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been resolved in court.
Charges and detention details disclosed
James was charged Thursday with two felony counts. The charges include intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral, or electronic communications and breaking and entering a nonresidence, according to officials and jail records.
He is being held at the Northern Regional Jail in Marshall County, West Virginia, on $100,000 bond, according to state custody records. The available reports do not indicate the outcome of the case, and a criminal charge is an allegation rather than a finding of guilt.
School and law enforcement response
The school system said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement while conducting its own investigation. Officials described student safety, security, and privacy as fundamental responsibilities and said conduct that compromises those responsibilities would not be tolerated.
Law enforcement assisted with securing and removing the devices from the school. The criminal inquiry is focused on the alleged recording equipment and related conduct, while the school’s internal review is expected to examine how the devices were placed and whether school policies were violated.
“The safety, security, and privacy of our students are fundamental responsibilities of our school system. Conduct that compromises those responsibilities will not be tolerated.”
Support measures and ongoing investigations
School officials said they will meet with students, parents, and staff to offer supportive measures as the investigations continue. Those steps are intended to address concerns within the school community while authorities determine the facts of the case.
The investigation involves events at Brooke High School and reported evidence recovered both on campus and at James’ home. Officials have not publicly detailed whether any recordings were made, how long the devices may have been present, or how many people could be affected. Further information is expected through the criminal and administrative processes.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Four recording devices were reportedly found in multiple female locker room areas. |
| 2 | Eric James, the school principal, was suspended after the discovery. |
| 3 | James faces two felony charges and is held on $100,000 bond. |
| 4 | Law enforcement and the school system are conducting separate investigations. |
| 5 | Students, parents, and staff are being offered support while the case proceeds. |
Summary
The suspension of a West Virginia high school principal followed the reported discovery of recording devices in female locker rooms and a dance team dressing area. Criminal charges have been filed, while law enforcement and school officials continue investigating the devices, their placement, and any related conduct. The school system has pledged cooperation with authorities and support for the school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the devices reportedly found?
Officials said four devices were found in multiple female locker room areas at Brooke High School, including spaces used for physical education and by the school’s dance team.
Who was suspended?
Eric James, 53, the principal of Brooke High School, was suspended after officials reported the discovery and notified authorities.
What charges does James face?
He faces two felony counts involving the intentional interception or attempted interception of communications and breaking and entering a nonresidence.
What happens next?
Law enforcement and the school system are continuing their investigations. Officials also plan to meet with students, parents, and staff to provide supportive measures during the process.
