Bellingham Teacher Faces 61 Additional Charges Related To Secret Recordings

BELLINGHAM (CBS) -- A Bellingham teacher initially accused in Nov. of secretly recording a 14-year-old boy in a bathroom faced a judge again Thursday. This time, Scott McDonald, 38, was arraigned on 61 charges related to secret recordings of unsuspecting teenaged boys.

Charges include secretly recording a nude or partially nude person, enticing a child, and posing a child for lascivious intent.

He was released on personal recognizance with GPS monitoring and prohibited from using social media.

"McDonald created these recordings over the course of several years by utilizing his position as a teacher and coach at the Bellingham Memorial Middle School," said a Facebook post by Bellingham Police. The videos date back to at least 2012.

Through months of investigation, 21 victims have been identified, police said. "Detective Kirby has combed through hours of videos she recovered as a result of a search warrant she executed on McDonald's residence and electronic devices. Unfortunately there are many more victims depicted in the videos that we have yet to identify."

"If you, or someone you know, have reason to believe that you may have been recorded by McDonald without your consent, Detective Kirby is interested in speaking to you," said police.

Amy Kirby can be reached at 508-966-1212 or akirby@bellinghamma.org.

McDonald has been on leave since Nov. 9. In the past, he told police he had a terrible addiction and admitted to attempting suicide.

He is due back in court May 9.

Superintendent Peter Marano released a statement that said in part, "I am shocked and saddened by this new information about the alleged abhorrent conduct on the part of a former employee. We understand that you place your trust in us every day when you send your children to school. We take seriously our responsibility to safely care for your children.

"The school district will continue to make available mental health counselors and other resources at the Middle School and High School, for students, parents and staff. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the Principal at your child's school."