Tempe police announced Wednesday that investigators have identified 38 individuals as victims in a criminal case involving a former surveillance officer at Corona del Sol High School. The suspect, former employee Antony Cruz, is accused of using district‑owned cameras to record and download video of teenage girls while they changed clothes.
Charges and investigation
Initially, law enforcement filed seven voyeurism charges against Cruz. After a deeper review of the evidence, prosecutors now face a substantially larger docket: 98 voyeurism charges and two bestiality charges have been submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for consideration. Police clarified that the bestiality counts stem from separate evidence and are not linked to the school‑related conduct.
The videos in question varied in length, ranging from four minutes to two hours. According to court documents, the space where the recordings were made was being used temporarily as a changing area because the school’s regular locker room was closed for renovations. Staff and students had requested that the surveillance cameras be turned off to protect privacy, but the devices remained active and continued recording.
School district response
Tempe Union High School District officials have expressed deep concern for the affected families and pledged full cooperation with law‑enforcement agencies. The district reiterated its commitment to student safety and privacy, noting that the incident prompted an immediate review of all surveillance practices across its schools.
“The safety and privacy of our students is paramount,” a district spokesperson said. “We are working closely with investigators to ensure that any gaps in our security protocols are corrected and that justice is served for the victims.”
Ongoing legal process
The case remains under active investigation. Authorities have not released further details about the upcoming court proceedings or potential sentencing. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will determine whether to file formal charges based on the evidence presented.
Community members and parents have been urged to remain vigilant and to report any concerns related to school safety. The district has scheduled a series of informational meetings for families to address questions and to outline steps being taken to prevent future violations.
What’s next for the victims?
Victims and their families are being offered counseling services through the district’s student support program. Law‑enforcement officials emphasized that support resources are available and encouraged anyone affected to seek assistance.
As the investigation proceeds, Tempe police and the school district continue to work together to restore confidence in the safety of school environments and to ensure that privacy protections are rigorously enforced.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
