A teacher at Santa Barbara Charter School in Goleta is accused of secretly recording minors undressing, including children at his school.
Steven Schapansky, 54, was arrested on Saturday and booked on a charge of invasion of privacy with a recording device, a misdemeanor, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. He has since been released.
Schapansky teaches fifth and sixth grade at the charter school. However, as of Tuesday, his profile on the school’s website was gone.
“These recordings were captured at various locations, in areas where juveniles would change clothing,” the department said. “Detectives are conducting extensive follow-up on this case to identify the juvenile victims who were recorded without their knowledge.”
The department said the recording devices were found in Schapansky’s possession.
Detectives were working closely with school administrators to coordinate outreach and support services.
Potential victims are urged to contact the District Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Assistance Program at 805-568-2400 or toll-free at 855-840-3232.