HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A 41-year-old man who was working at a Spring ISD elementary school was arrested and charged after authorities said he installed hidden cameras in bathrooms.
Erik Fernando Carreon is facing the felony charge of invasive visual recording in a bathroom. According to records, he's due back in court on Friday at 9 a.m. During a prior court appearance, Carreon's lawyer said his client has lived in Houston for 20 years and has a wife and a stepson. The defense attorney said it's Carreon's first arrest and his client has no prior convictions.
Carreon posted a $10,000 bond and was released but he's not allowed near any schools as part of his release conditions.
Carreon admitted to investigators that he bought cameras and installed them in two bathrooms at Hoyland Elementary School, according to court documents. According to the district, the cameras were in bathrooms that were "in an area restricted to staff members."
Investigators said they found recordings of two female employees using the restroom.
The cameras were found on Jan. 2 and the district swept the school to see if there were more but none were found.
Carreon, who was working at the school as a janitor, was immediately terminated when the district found out about the allegations.
"We have no tolerance here in Spring ISD for criminal acts, especially those that would violate the safety, privacy and well-being of our staff and students," the statement said, in part.
Here's the full Spring ISD statement:
"The Spring Independent School District took swift action following the reporting of a recording device at Hoyland Elementary School, which was discovered in an area restricted to staff members. A suspect was immediately identified, quickly terminated from their position and was arrested by the Spring ISD Police Department and booked on a felony charge of invasive visual recording. Further charges could be filed, as the investigation is ongoing.
"After a thorough investigation, a staff meeting was held yesterday at the school, and a letter was sent to all parents and staff. Partnering with Harris County Pct. 5 Constable’s Office, we were also able to bring in an Electronic Detection K9 to thoroughly search the campus for any other devices, of which none were found.
"We have no tolerance here in Spring ISD for criminal acts, especially those that would violate the safety, privacy and well being of our staff and students. The district is proud of the swift action and vigilance of our campus staff and police department, which brought this incident to a quick resolution."