Judge: Feds, FBI can view evidence in webcam spy case involving suburban Philly schools

Judge: FBI can view evidence in webcam spy case

PHILADELPHIA — A judge says the FBI can view computer evidence gathered through a lawsuit that accuses a Pennsylvania school district of electronically spying on students.

The Lower Merion School District admits it secretly captured 56,000 webcam photos and screen shots in a misguided attempt to locate missing school-issued laptops.

The district concedes some webcam photographs were taken inside student homes.

One high school student has filed an invasion-of-privacy lawsuit. And the FBI is investigating whether the district violated wiretap laws.

The judge agreed Monday to let federal investigators view the images recovered as they pursue their grand jury investigation. But the judge wants the privacy of students and their families protected whenever possible.