Hidden camera found in Saul Martinez Elementary classroom

A hidden camera was found in a classroom at Saul Martinez Elementary School in Mecca, and now all Coachella Valley Unified School District teachers are being urged to search their classrooms for other unauthorized cameras, according to a letter sent out CVUSD staff.

“Human Resources was made aware late Monday afternoon about the fact that an unauthorized camera was found in a classroom at Saul Martinez Elementary School the previous week,” opens the letter, acquired by News Channel 3. “The District takes this incident very seriously and we are moving swiftly to conduct a thorough investigation.”

It is unclear at this time how the camera was discovered, or why it was installed in the classroom. In the letter, the district stated that there was “no reason to believe” that there are additional unauthorized cameras, but said that teachers are encouraged to look for any “suspicious devices”.

According to an email from Carissa Carrera, the president of the Coachella Valley Teacher’s Association, the camera was “very small and not noticeable at all and was under a desk”.

Carrera’s email also states that, if the camera was installed by an adult, it would be a misdemeanor.

The District’s letter was signed off by CVUSD Superintendent Dr. Edwin Gomez. Read the full letter below.