Minneapolis police are investigating and a teacher has been placed on leave after a number of high school students reported finding recording devices hidden inside their hotel rooms during an out-of-state class trip.
NBC News reported that the visiting Madison East High School students from Wisconsin were staying at the Minneapolis Hyatt Regency while attending a three-day conference in the city.
At the beginning of December, authorities were alerted to a number of hidden cameras that were discovered by the students in their rooms.
While the exact number of devices hasn’t been released, a police spokesperson confirmed to People that it was more than one. It is also unknown where in the rooms the cameras were found and in how many rooms they were discovered.
Staff searched the rest of the rooms in the hotel but turned up no other cameras besides the ones found by the students.
On December 8, officials at Madison East High School were notified of the hidden cameras.
A letter was subsequently sent out to parents in which interim principal Brendan Kearny explained the situation thus far:
“Out of respect for the students and families affected, and in the interest of preserving the integrity of the police investigation, I am unable to share many details with you at this time.”
He added, “I want you to know that we will continue to do everything we can to protect our students and to see that anyone responsible for harming them is held accountable.”
A school staff member who accompanied the students on the trip has since been placed on leave.
Madison Metropolitan School District spokesperson Timothy LeMonds told Newsweek that the move was a “precautionary measure” which he said is protocol during a police investigation.
Though he couldn’t reveal any more information, he added, “The Madison Metropolitan School District continues to work closely with the Minneapolis police department to assist in the investigation.”
Police have made no arrests and the investigation is currently ongoing.
A spokesperson for the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis confirmed that hotel staff were cleared of any involvement in the hidden recording devices:
“At this time, as confirmed by Minneapolis Police Department, and based upon the hotel’s investigation, no hotel personnel were involved. The hotel continues to fully cooperate with Minneapolis Police on their investigation, and further questions may be directed to MPD.”
