WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – UNCW police are investigating the alleged use of a concealed camera in a campus residence hall bathroom, university officials said Wednesday.
According to university officials, students notified Housing and Residence Life staff about a “suspicious device” in a bathroom inside Pelican Hall on Nov. 10, leading a staff member to immediately contact university police.
Officials said police identified a student who lived in the residence hall as the device’s owner. The student was removed from Pelican Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and from campus Wednesday, Nov. 11, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“We recognize this news is deeply concerning, especially for Pelican Hall residents. Every member of our campus community deserves safety and respect, especially in spaces where personal privacy is expected,” UNCW said in a campus message.
Investigators have not determined whether anyone was recorded, how long the alleged activity occurred or whether any recordings were shared, the university said. Police seized electronic evidence and are working with partner agencies to conduct a forensic analysis.
University officials said they found no additional electronic devices during a sweep of Pelican Hall bathrooms. They are also checking other residential bathrooms across campus, though they said there is no indication of similar incidents elsewhere or of a continuing threat related to the case.
The university said it will contact anyone investigators identify as potentially affected and connect them with support. Students do not have to wait to be contacted or to confirm they were recorded to seek help.
Confidential advocacy and other support is available through the following ways:
Anyone with information about the investigation is encouraged to contact university police at 910-962-2222, police@uncw.edu or through the SafeZone app. Students and families seeking additional support can email incidentresponse@uncw.edu.
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