Montgomery County, Maryland — A hidden camera investigation at a Maryland high school has expanded significantly after detectives identified eight additional alleged victims, leading to new criminal charges against a school employee accused of secretly recording female students inside a changing room.
The case, which first came to light earlier this year, now involves 12 alleged victims and video evidence investigators say dates back nearly a decade.
Investigation Expanded After New Evidence Was Recovered
According to the Montgomery County Police Department, James Mulhern III, an employee at Walter Johnson High School, now faces 12 counts of abuse of a minor following an expanded investigation.
Detectives said newly recovered video recordings allegedly showed 12 female students in various stages of undress inside the school’s girls’ changing room.
The additional evidence increased the number of alleged victims from four to 12, prompting prosecutors to file eight new criminal charges.
Authorities also said some of the recovered videos dated back to 2015, considerably widening the timeline of the investigation.
Students Discovered Camera Inside School Theater
The investigation began on April 7, when two students discovered a video camera inside the control booth of Walter Johnson High School’s theater.
According to police, one of the students examined the camera’s memory card and found recordings that appeared to have been made inside the girls’ changing room.
The students immediately reported what they found to school administrators.
Investigators later reviewed the footage and said it appeared to show an adult male placing the camera inside the changing room before leaving the area.
School officials subsequently identified the individual as James Mulhern III, who worked as a media services technician at the school.
Detectives Seized Electronic Devices During Searches
Following the initial discovery, detectives executed search warrants at both Walter Johnson High School and Mulhern’s residence in Clarksburg, Maryland.
During those searches, investigators recovered multiple electronic devices and other items considered relevant to the investigation.
Police said evidence extracted from those devices ultimately led detectives to identify eight additional alleged victims and uncover recordings spanning several years.
Authorities have not released the identities of the alleged victims, who are being protected because they are minors.
Judge Releases Suspect Under Strict Conditions
Mulhern appeared in court Wednesday on the newly filed charges. A judge ordered his release on a $100,000 unsecured personal bond, while imposing several conditions.
Under the court order, Mulhern must stay away from Walter Johnson High School, have no contact with minors, and may only have supervised contact with his 4-year-old son while the case remains pending.
Prosecutors Cite Serious Nature of the Case
Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy said the newly uncovered evidence has intensified prosecutors’ concerns as the investigation continues.
Under Maryland law, each count of abuse of a minor carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
If Mulhern is convicted on all 12 counts, he could face up to 300 years behind bars, although any sentence would ultimately be determined by the court.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or victims could be identified as detectives continue reviewing the evidence.
What are your thoughts on school safety and privacy protections for students? Do you believe schools should adopt stricter measures to prevent hidden camera incidents? Share your opinion in the comments below.
