School staffer accused after secret recordings found by students
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School staffer accused after secret recordings found by students

Hidden camera in school changing room leads to arrest of staff member

Gaithersburg, MD — A school employee is facing serious charges after a hidden camera was discovered recording students inside a high school changing room, triggering an investigation by Montgomery County detectives.

The case began April 7 when two students at Walter Johnson High School found a video camera placed inside the theater control booth. After reviewing the device, one student discovered footage recorded inside the girls’ changing room.

According to police, the video showed an adult male placing the camera before leaving the room while it continued recording. Shortly afterward, students entered the space to change clothes for a theater performance.

School staffer accused after secret recordings found by students
Photo: school staffer accused after secret recordings found by students

The footage was reported to school officials, and the principal identified the individual as 43-year-old James Mulhern III, a media services technician at the school.

Detectives executed search warrants April 15 at the school on Rock Spring Drive and at Mulhern’s home in Clarksburg, where electronic devices and other items were recovered.

Mulhern was arrested and charged with sex abuse of a minor. He was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he is awaiting a bond hearing.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Key Points

  • Hidden camera found recording inside high school changing room
  • School employee identified and charged with sex abuse of a minor
  • Search warrants executed at school and suspect’s home
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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