What police found on spy pen spotted by custodian inside Brooke High School girls’ changing room

A West Virginia high school principal was arrested after a hidden camera disguised as a pen was found in a girls’ changing area, authorities said.

Eric Michael James, 53, serves as the principal of Brooke High School and resides in Marshall County.

The investigation began when a school custodian spotted what appeared to be an ink pen inside a girls’ changing room, according to investigators.

The worker took a closer look and realized the item was actually a recording device. The employee then turned the object over to law enforcement, police said.

That discovery prompted officers to search the high school for additional surveillance gear, according to authorities.

Investigators ultimately located four hidden recording devices in areas designated for female students, police said.

The devices were planted inside the girls’ physical education locker room, the girls’ varsity locker room, and a dance team changing space, authorities said.

One of the additional hidden recording devices was disguised as a key fob, according to investigators.

Officers reviewed footage recovered from the pen-shaped camera and allegedly saw James inside the locker room, police said.

The video reportedly showed the administrator looking directly into the camera while positioning the unit on the floor. The footage also captured two students changing clothes, authorities said.

James later admitted to placing all four recording devices throughout the school, investigators said.

On Thursday, Sept. 3, authorities arrested the principal as the investigation unfolded, police said.

Officers also executed search warrants at the administrator’s home in Marshall County, according to authorities.

Investigators seized additional electronic devices from the residence during that search, police said.

Detectives are examining the seized electronics to determine how many students may have been recorded. They are also working to uncover the full extent of the alleged surveillance, according to authorities.

Brooke County Sheriff Richard Beatty said additional criminal charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

Brooke County Schools immediately suspended James from his employment pending further legal and administrative proceedings, officials said.

The district barred the principal from school grounds and prohibited him from contacting students or staff, according to administrators.

The school system is conducting an internal investigation while cooperating fully with law enforcement, officials said.

Authorities have also met with parents of students as the probe continues, police said.

The case has entered civil court, with legal action filed on behalf of affected families, court records show.

That civil action comes as questions remain about the scope of the alleged recordings and how many students were impacted, according to reports.

Published reports describe the criminal allegations as involving one count of intentionally intercepting electronic communications and two counts of breaking and entering a non-residence.

Jail records list charges for breaking and entering and interception of communications generally under case number 26-M05F-00084, authorities confirmed.

Investigators noted that the custodian’s attention to detail kept the small object from being dismissed. That initial discovery ultimately led detectives to uncover three additional devices, according to police.

James is currently being held at the Northern Regional Jail on a $100,000 cash bond, according to jail records.