A school custodian allegedly recorded 137 videos inside female staff restrooms since 2013 (Picture: Google Maps)
A middle school custodian has been arrested after allegedly filming more than 100 videos inside female restrooms in secret over a decade.
James Mattson, 38, who worked at Alki Middle School in Vancouver, Washington, was taken into custody on Thursday after investigators uncovered 137 videos he allegedly recorded dating back to 2013.
The footage was from inside female staff restrooms at Skyview High School, according to The Columbian.
Authorities discovered the videos last week after Mattson’s girlfriend who lives with him reported seeing a clip on his computer of a girl getting changed in a locker room.
According to the woman, Mattson said that he installed a camera in the locker room because there were theft issues. She apparently accused him of lying about the matter.
‘It’s not sexual. I don’t do anything with them,’ he allegedly told the woman, according to an affidavit. ‘It’s about having them.’
Mattson also allegedly admitted that ‘I have a problem’.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Mattson’s home and seized his computers and other electronic devices.
Law enforcement and school district officials searched the middle school, high school and other campuses in the system and did not find hidden cameras or recording devices.
‘Our students and staff and their safety are at the heart of everything we do. We will continue to support our young people and staff by making counselors available, and fully cooperating with the law enforcement investigation,’ the school district stated on Thursday.
Mattson has been placed on unpaid leave and faces termination. He was booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of 137 counts of first-degree voyeurism, and could be hit with additional charges.
Victims have not yet been identified.
‘As has been previously stated, these types of investigations involving digital forensics are complex,’ stated the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. ‘They require time to process the type and amount of evidence involved.’
Mattson worked as the building operator for the middle school since the 2018-19 school year and was the assistant flag football coach form the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, according to the school district.
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Investigators found the videos after the custodian’s girlfriend saw a clip on his computer of a girl changing clothes.