Middle school teacher hid camera in faculty bathroom, recorded coworkers, police say

A New York teacher is accused of planting a hidden camera in a co-ed employee bathroom, police said.

On Feb. 14, Colonie police arrested 57-year-old Patrick Morgan, a fifth-grade teacher at Sand Creek Middle School, and charged him with two counts of felony unlawful surveillance, police said, noting more charges are expected in connection to the case.

School officials contacted authorities on Feb. 11 after a camera disguised as a cellphone charger was found in the restroom. According to investigators, images recovered from the device included both videos and images of adult male and female faculty, WRGB reported.

According to the station, police did not find any other hidden cameras at the school and do not believe any children were recorded or photographed.

As part of the investigation, police said they are searching the teacher's residence.

Morgan, who was employed at the school for 28 years, was placed on leave, the Times Union reported.

"We understand that news like this may generate mixed emotions and many questions within our school community," South Colonie Superintendent David Perry said in a statement. "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."