Former Lenape High Teacher Pleads Guilty to Making Upskirt Videos of Female Students

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a former Lenape High School teacher admitted yesterday in Superior Court to recording upskirt videos and taking photos of female students last year in his classroom and the school’s hallways.

Eric T. Howell, 44, of Maple Shade, pled guilty to one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree). Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Howell will receive five years in New Jersey state prison when he is sentenced by the Hon. Mark P. Tarantino, J.S.C., on June 20.

The investigation revealed that Howell concealed a camera in a coconut water box that was then placed in the side mesh portion of his briefcase. He would unscrew the cap, walk in close proximity to female students and carry his briefcase in a manner that allowed the camera to point up their skirts or loose-fitting shorts.

Howell’s behavior was brought to the attention of the school administration on May 2 by an individual who observed him passing behind a female student and extending his arm sideways in an attempt to position the camera under her skirt.

Howell, who was hired as a chemistry teacher in 2016, was suspended that same day and has since been terminated. School officials contacted police after receiving the information and were fully cooperative with law enforcement.

The investigation revealed that Howell did not share or upload the videos and recordings.

The case is being prosecuted by Burlington County Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Eife, supervisor of the BCPO Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit.

The case was investigated by detectives from the Medford Township Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators were Medford Police Detective Nicole Fellona and BCPO Detective Matthew Delgado.