Tracy, Calif. – A Tracy High School varsity football coach was taken into custody Friday after students uncovered a hidden cellphone that had been recording them inside a locker room. The device, discovered Thursday by a student and classmates, was stopped, the video deleted, and the phone turned over to a teacher.
Investigation and arrest
Police identified the phone as belonging to Jeffrey Pribble, a 48‑year‑old teacher who serves as the school’s head football coach and works in the physical education program. Pribble has held the coaching position for five years and brings 22 years of experience with the Tracy Unified School District, according to his public Facebook profile.
Following the discovery, a concerned parent contacted Tracy police patrol officers. School resource officers and detectives responded, and by Thursday evening the investigation was underway. The next day, officers confirmed the phone’s ownership and arrested Pribble.
District response
Tracy Unified School District placed Pribble on administrative leave pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and the district’s internal review. Tracy High principal Jon Waggle sent an email to parents acknowledging the arrest, noting that the district is fully cooperating with law‑enforcement and emphasizing its commitment to student safety and professional standards.
“We understand that this news may raise serious concerns in the District community. The District too is concerned about the well‑being of its students and staff and is committed to holding its employees to the highest professional and ethical standards,” Waggle wrote.
The principal also highlighted the district’s pride in maintaining safe schools and thanked families for their partnership.
Police chief comments
Tracy Police Chief Sekou Millington reiterated the department’s focus on protecting students’ privacy. “Our children deserve to feel safe at school and in every space where they should be able to learn, grow, and simply be kids,” Millington said. He praised the students who reported the incident and the officers who acted quickly.
Community reaction
Parents and community members expressed shock and concern over the breach of privacy. Many emphasized the importance of vigilance and swift reporting when such incidents arise. The district’s quick action and cooperation with police have been noted as positive steps toward restoring confidence.
Fox News Digital reached out to Tracy High for additional comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
