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A teacher at a New York middle school was arrested after allegedly putting a camera in a staff bathroom.
A statement from the Colonie Police Department identified the teacher as 57-year-old Patrick Morgan, who teaches fifth grade at Sand Creek Middle School. Authorities found images and videos on the camera of male and female faculty members "in various stages of undress."
There are about 30 adult victims on the camera, according to Albany news station WTEN-TV. So far, there is no evidence of images of minors being taken.
Morgan, who has taught in the South Colonie School District for 28 years, is facing two counts of second-degree unlawful surveillance—a felony—with more charges likely, the department said.
The middle school's administration notified police about the camera on Friday, when a faculty member found the device, which had been disguised to look like a cellphone charger, the police statement said.
Police are executing search warrants at Morgan's home in Frankfort. While they searched the school and found no other cameras, investigators are looking into whether there are cameras in other locations and whether the videos taken at the middle school were distributed anywhere.
According to the statement, classes at Sand Creek Middle School were canceled Monday "out of an abundance of caution" and "to allow the School District to properly address this issue with their faculty members."
David Perry, superintendent of the South Colonie School District, said in a statement that Morgan has been placed on administrative leave and "is not working on school grounds."
"We understand that news like this may generate mixed emotions and many questions within our school community," Perry wrote. "We will do our best to share information as it becomes available to us but our attention remains on the well-being of the individuals who may be directly impacted, our student body as a whole, and our staff members during this time."
Police said Morgan will be arraigned at the Town of Colonie Justice Court later in the day Monday. The statement added that counselors and victim advocates will be available to the affected school employees.
The police statement also encouraged people to "remain vigilant" in public bathrooms and changing rooms.
"Inexpensive cameras like the one used here are readily available at many online retailers, and are covert enough to blend in and not be noticed," it said. "If you see an item in a restroom or dressing room that does not seem right, or seems out of place, report the item to the building management or the police department."
Update 2/14/22, 11:51 a.m. ET: This story was updated with statements from the Colonie Police Department and the South Colonie School District.
