A West Virginia high school principal has been suspended and arrested after four recording devices were allegedly discovered in areas where female pupils changed, including locker rooms at Brooke High School in Wellsburg.
Eric James, 53, faces felony charges of intentionally intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral or electronic communications, and breaking and entering a non-residential property. He is being held at Northern Regional Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Recording devices found in Brooke High School changing areas
The investigation began when a caretaker found what appeared to be a pen in one of the changing areas. After taking it home, he realised it was a recording device and handed it to the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Richard Beatty said.
Investigators subsequently searched the school and found three more devices. They were located in the girls’ physical education locker room, the girls’ varsity locker room and an area used by the school’s dance team.
Authorities said footage from one of the devices allegedly showed James entering a locker room, adjusting the camera’s angle and placing it on the floor. The recording also appeared to show two pupils changing, according to local reports.
Search warrants were carried out at James’s office, his school telephone and his home in neighbouring Marshall County. Electronic equipment seized during the searches has been sent to the West Virginia State Police forensic laboratory for examination. ([wvmetronews.com](https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/04/brooke-high-principal-arrested-after-hidden-cams-found-in-girls-dressing-rooms/?utm_source=openai))
The sheriff said the investigation was continuing and that further charges could follow once investigators had reviewed the material recovered from the devices and other electronics.
Brooke County Schools said James had been removed from his post and suspended indefinitely while the criminal and internal investigations proceeded. The district also carried out sweeps of other school buildings and facilities on the campus, with officials saying no further devices had been found. ([timesleaderonline.com](https://www.timesleaderonline.com/news/local-news/2026/09/brooke-high-principal-faces-felony-charges-after-cameras-found-in-locker-rooms/?utm_source=openai))
School officials and law enforcement met parents on Thursday to discuss the case. The district said it would provide support to pupils, families and staff, adding that student safety, security and privacy were fundamental responsibilities.
James has been principal of Brooke High School since June 2023. His next court hearing had not been scheduled as of Thursday evening, according to local reports. ([timesleaderonline.com](https://www.timesleaderonline.com/news/local-news/2026/09/brooke-high-principal-faces-felony-charges-after-cameras-found-in-locker-rooms/?utm_source=openai))
