Pa. school tech workers on leave amid webcam probe

By MARYCLAIRE DALE Associated Press Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Two information-technology employees of a suburban Philadelphia school district that secretly activated webcams on school-issued laptops are on paid leave amid an FBI probe.

A Lower Merion School District spokesman said that computer technician Michael Perbix and systems coordinator Carol Cafiero are on administrative leave, confirming a Philadelphia Inquirer report.

A district statement Friday says paid leave is standard during investigations and does not reflect any wrongdoing.

The district admits it secretly activated webcams 42 times to find missing laptops.

A Harriton High School student charges in a lawsuit that school officials photographed him at home, and later warned of suspicions he was selling drugs.

The FBI is exploring potential wiretap charges.