West Virginia Principal Suspended After Recording Devices Found

A high school principal in West Virginia was suspended on Wednesday following the discovery of recording devices in several locker rooms.

The investigation is focused on Eric James, 53, who was the principal at Brooke High School in Wellsburg.

Reportedly, four recording devices were located in the female physical education locker rooms, including in a separate locker room and a dressing area utilized by the school’s dance team, according to WTOV 9.

A memo from the school system detailed that after students were dismissed the previous day, Brooke County Schools was notified about the criminal investigation regarding the placement of a recording device in a locker room at Brooke High School, as noted by Lede News.

School security personnel, staff, and law enforcement helped to remove the devices from the premises, reports suggested.

Additionally, other devices were allegedly confiscated from James’ residence, authorities stated.

James is currently being held at the Northern Regional Jail in Marshall County, West Virginia, with a bond set at $100,000, according to official databases.

On Thursday, he faced two felony charges: one for intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral, or electronic communications, and another for breaking and entering a nonresidence.

The school district announced plans to meet with students, parents, and staff to provide support while the investigations are ongoing, as reported by Lede News.

They emphasized that ensuring the safety, security, and privacy of students is a fundamental duty of the school system and that any behavior undermining these responsibilities is unacceptable.

The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement and is also conducting its own internal investigation into the situation.