A Westhampton Beach Middle School gym teacher was arrested Wednesday accused of filming girls changing in the school’s locker room, New York State police said.
Thomas Sheppard, 27, of Speonk, was charged with second-degree unlawful surveillance. Police said school officials reported “suspicious activity in the gym locker room,” to Westhampton Beach police on Feb. 26.
Westhampton Beach police requested New York State Police investigators to assist in the inquiry on March 6, according to a police news release. An investigation by Westhampton Beach police, state police, and the Suffolk County district attorney’s office ultimately yielded Sheppard’s arrest.
Police said investigators uncovered evidence that “Sheppard apparently placed a video recording device in the female gym locker room.”
Sheppard has worked for the school for four years, according to police. News12 Long Island was the first to report on alleged misconduct at the school back on March 11. At that time, the school district released a statement notifying parents that the unnamed teacher was placed on administrative leave.
Sheppard is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday at the Village of Westhampton Beach Justice Court. State Police are expected to hold a press conference after the arraignment detailing the circumstances of the arrest.
Police said an investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 631-208-9002.
Comments