A Walter Johnson High School employee is now facing additional criminal charges after investigators identified eight more alleged victims in an ongoing hidden camera investigation,
James Mulhern III, a media services technician at the Bethesda high school, was originally arrested in April after being accused of secretly recording four female students as they undressed in a changing room near the school’s theater. The investigation began after two students discovered a hidden camera containing videos and photos of teenage girls changing.
According to FOX 5, investigators announced Wednesday that they have identified eight additional female students, bringing the total number of alleged victims to 12. Court documents state Mulhern was seen on video setting up and later retrieving the camera. While the initial investigation focused on recordings made during a 2018 school play, FOX 5 reported that investigators recovered additional videos dating back to 2015 after executing a search warrant at Mulhern’s home and seizing multiple electronic devices.
Mulhern now faces 12 counts of abuse of a minor. During a bond hearing Wednesday on the additional charges, a judge allowed his release on a $100,000 unsecured personal bond. FOX 5 reported that Mulhern was ordered to stay away from Walter Johnson High School, have no contact with minors, and may only have supervised contact with his 4-year-old son.
The Montgomery County Department of Police has previously said detectives with the Special Victims Investigations Division continue to analyze more than 100 electronic devices seized from both the school and Mulhern’s residence as the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.
