Principal Arrested for Locker Room Recording Devices

A West Virginia high school principal has been suspended and arrested following the discovery of multiple recording devices in girls' locker rooms and dressing areas. Eric Michael James, 53, principal of Brooke High School in Wellsburg, was taken into custody on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and is being held on a $100,000 bond. The investigation began on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, after school officials were alerted to allegations that recording devices had been placed in locker rooms at the school. Authorities reported finding four devices in areas used by female students, including the girls' physical education locker room, the girls' varsity locker room, and a separate dressing area used by the school's dance team. According to Sheriff Richard Beatty, footage recovered from one device reportedly shows James placing it and adjusting its camera angle. Investigators also executed search warrants at James's home in Marshall County and seized electronics from the school, which have been sent to the state crime laboratory for examination.