Arrest of Montgomery County Public Schools Employee for Alleged Sexual Abuse

James Mulhern III, a 43-year-old media services technician employed by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland, has been arrested on charges of sex abuse of a minor. The arrest follows an investigation initiated after two students discovered a video camera in a control booth at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda on April 7. Upon reviewing the footage, one student found recordings made inside the girls' changing room, which included Mulhern setting up the camera before leaving the room.

WJLA - ABC 7MCPS employee arrested and accused of recording theater students changing

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) reported that the video captured Mulhern placing the camera in the changing room shortly before teenage girls entered to change for a theater performance. After the footage was shared with the school principal, Nicole Morgan, Mulhern was identified and subsequently placed on leave without pay pending the investigation. The school promptly reported the incident to the police, emphasizing their commitment to student safety and support.

WJLA - ABC 7MCPS employee arrested and accused of recording theater students changing

Detectives executed search warrants at both the school and Mulhern's residence on April 15, recovering electronic devices and other evidence. Mulhern was taken into custody and is currently held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, awaiting a bond hearing.

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In a letter to the school community, Principal Nicole Morgan stated that the safety and well-being of students is the school's top priority. She assured families that counselors, psychologists, and social workers are available to support those affected by the incident. The school has urged families to refrain from sharing unverified information as the investigation continues.

MCPS employee arrested and accused of recording theater students changing

During police questioning, Mulhern initially denied any wrongdoing but later acknowledged his presence in the video footage. He reportedly admitted to having an inappropriate attraction to multiple students while working at Walter Johnson High School. This admission raises concerns about the potential for additional victims, although police have not confirmed any further allegations at this time.

MCPS employee arrested and accused of recording theater students changing

The incident has sparked outrage within the community, with parents and advocacy groups expressing concerns about the safety measures in place at schools. Critics are calling for a thorough review of hiring practices and monitoring systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.

MCPS employee arrested and accused of recording theater students changing

As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to explore the possibility of additional victims and further charges against Mulhern. The school district is also likely to implement measures to enhance student safety and support during this troubling time.

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• “One of the students viewed the contents of the memory card and saw videos recorded inside the girls’ changing room in the theater area,” — Montgomery County Police

MCPS employee arrested and accused of recording theater students changing

• “attraction to multiple students while working at Walter Johnson High School,” — James Mulhern III

MCPS employee arrested and accused of recording theater students changing