A West Virginia high-school principal has been suspended and arrested after four recording devices were allegedly discovered in areas where female students changed at Brooke High School in Wellsburg.
Eric James, 53, faces felony charges in connection with the investigation and is being held at Northern Regional Jail on $100,000 bond. He was removed from his post indefinitely by Brooke County Schools.
The devices were found in the girls’ physical education locker room, the girls’ varsity locker room and two areas used by the school’s dance team, according to the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office. ([wvmetronews.com](https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/04/brooke-high-principal-arrested-after-hidden-cams-found-in-girls-dressing-rooms/?utm_source=openai))
Sheriff Richard Beatty said the investigation began after a caretaker found what appeared to be a pen. The device was later identified as a camera and was taken to the sheriff’s office, prompting investigators to search the school and neighbouring middle-school areas.
Investigators allegedly found footage showing James placing one of the devices and adjusting its angle. Authorities said the devices had been sent to the state crime laboratory in Morgantown for further examination.
Police also searched James’s office, his school-issued phone and his home in Marshall County, where electronic equipment was seized. Officials have not said how long the devices had allegedly been in place or how many students may have been recorded.
Investigation into Brooke High School recordings continues
James was charged with intentionally intercepting electronic communications and with breaking and entering a non-residential property. He remains in custody at Northern Regional Jail, which serves Brooke and several surrounding counties. ([dcr.wv.gov](https://dcr.wv.gov/facilities/Pages/prisons-and-jails/Northern-Regional-Jail.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Brooke County Schools said it had been informed of a criminal investigation after students had been dismissed from school. The district said it was co-operating with law enforcement and conducting its own investigation.
“The safety, security, and privacy of our students are fundamental responsibilities of our school system,” officials said in a memo to families. “Conduct that compromises those responsibilities will not be tolerated.”
The school system said it would meet students, parents and staff to provide support while the criminal and internal investigations continue. Sheriff’s officials also met with concerned parents on Thursday.
James had been listed as principal of Brooke High School, a state school serving pupils in grades nine to 12, before his removal from the position. ([brooke.k12.wv.us](https://www.brooke.k12.wv.us/page/brooke-high-school?utm_source=openai))
