The University of British Columbia says it is “seriously concerned” about voyeurism charges levelled against one of its former professors.
James Rupert, an associate professor of kinesiology, is charged with secretly observing or recording nudity in a private place on campus in April.
RCMP were first alerted “to some act of voyeurism” at the school by staff members on April 16.
Cpl. Drew Grainger said officers located and seized several recording devices inside a makeshift change room that was being used by the school as part of an ongoing study.
“This associate professor allegedly placed some of these devices in this makeshift change room to record persons participating in the study changing clothes,” he told CTV News.
Mounties say they have interviewed everyone who could possibly be a victim in the alleged peeping Tom incident, and say they’re confident none of the images “that may or may not have been captured” would be “used for nefarious purposes.”
UBC spokeswoman Lucie McNeil said it would not comment on the case while it is before the courts.
She said the 56-year-old was a faculty member from 2004 until June 30, six days after he was charged by police.
“The safety of our students, staff and faculty is a top priority for UBC and we take immediate action when any serious allegation is made. Where appropriate, we alert police and we cooperate with their investigations,” McNeil said in a statement.
Rupert gained attention last year for a study on news ways to detect doping athletes using DNA technology.
He appeared in Richmond provincial court Tuesday and was released from custody.
