Montgomery County school employee charged with sex abuse of minor

Authorities say the media technician secretly recorded students in a girls' changing room.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:44pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a hidden camera lens, its metallic surface reflecting the harsh light in a stark, unsettling manner, conveying the violation and exploitation at the heart of this case.A hidden camera lens, its cold, unblinking gaze a symbol of the betrayal of student trust.North Bethesda Today

A 43-year-old media technician at Walter Johnson High School in North Bethesda, Maryland has been charged with capturing images inside the girls' changing room at the school. James Mulhern III faces a charge of sex abuse of a minor related to the alleged incidents.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious breach of trust when school employees abuse their positions to exploit and victimize students. It raises concerns about student safety and the need for robust protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

The details

According to authorities, Mulhern used a hidden camera to record students in the girls' changing room at Walter Johnson High School. Police recovered evidence of the illicit recordings, leading to the charges against Mulhern.

  • The alleged incidents occurred at Walter Johnson High School in North Bethesda, Maryland.

The players

James Mulhern III

A 43-year-old media technician at Walter Johnson High School who has been charged with sex abuse of a minor for allegedly recording students in the girls' changing room.

Walter Johnson High School

A public high school located in North Bethesda, Maryland where the alleged incidents took place.

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What’s next

The case is currently under investigation by local authorities. Mulhern is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This disturbing incident underscores the need for schools to have robust safeguards and oversight to protect students from predatory behavior by staff members. It also highlights the trauma and violation experienced by the victims and the importance of comprehensive support services.