MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) employee accused of recording underage students inside a high school changing room has been released on bond, as new details about his background have emerged.
James Mulhern III, 43, of Clarksburg, Maryland, is facing sex abuse of a minor, according to the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) and charging documents filed in the District Court of Maryland.
Court records show Mulhern was granted an unsecured personal bond of $10,000 during a hearing on April 17.
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The investigation began after MCPS staff were told that two students at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda had found a video camera in a theater control booth on April 7.
According to court documents, students reviewed the camera’s memory card and found videos recorded inside a girls’ changing room, showing a man placing the camera.
Shortly after, students entered the room to change for performances, and later, the same man was seen returning to retrieve the camera.
The documents also stated that the school principal, Nicole Morgan, identified the person in the video as Mulhern, a media services technician with responsibilities that included working with students on theater productions and equipment.
Authorities later compared the video to motor vehicle records and said the individual strongly resembled Mulhern, according to the filing.
Investigators say Mulhern initially denied placing the camera but later admitted to it after being shown screenshots from the footage.
According to court records, Mulhern also admitted to having an inappropriate attraction to multiple students at the school.
Search warrants executed on April 15 at both the school and Mulhern’s home led to the recovery of the camera and more electronic devices believed to contain evidence, investigators said.
According to archived information from SEIU Local 500, Mulhern previously served as vice president of the union’s media and technology chapter representing MCPS support staff.
The union has not yet publicly commented. 7News has requested a statement.
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Mulhern has been placed on leave without pay, according to school officials.
Police have not said whether more victims may be involved. The investigation remains active.
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