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Santa Barbara Charter School teacher arrested for allegedly placing ‘secret recording devices’ in school

The 54-year-old suspect Steven Schapansky was arrested over the weekend but has since been released

The suspect, Steven Schapansky, 54, teaches 5th and 6th grade students at the Santa Barbara Charter School. | Photo credit: Courtesy

A teacher at the Santa Barbara Charter School in Goleta was arrested over the weekend for allegedly filming children with hidden recording devices “in several locations, including the school where he worked,” the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said.

The suspect, Steven Schapansky, 54, teaches fifth and sixth grade students at the elementary school’s small campus. He was arrested on Saturday, July 13, after officers received a report that “secret recording devices” had been found in his possession the previous day.

Footage was taken in various locations, including “areas where juveniles were changing clothes,” sheriff’s office spokeswoman Raquel Zick said in a news release Tuesday.

Schapansky was arrested at the main jail on charges of invasion of privacy with a recording device (a misdemeanor), but has since been released.

“Investigators are conducting extensive research in this case to identify the juvenile victims who were recorded without their knowledge,” Zick said. “Investigators are working closely with Santa Barbara Charter School administration to coordinate education and support services.”

It is currently unclear whether Schapansky will keep his position at the school.

Zick continued, “Sheriff’s detectives work closely with the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Program to ensure that victims’ needs are not neglected by the focus on the investigation and prosecution of the defendant. Attorneys are available to ensure victims are informed and supported throughout the criminal process.”

Victims have the option to contact the Victim-Witness Assistance Program directly at (805) 568-2400 or toll-free at (855) 840-3232.