Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies on Saturday arrested a Santa Barbara Charter School teacher suspected of using hidden recording devices to secretly record minors in several locations, including at the school. 

Steven Schapansky, a 54-year-old Goleta resident, was booked into the Main Jail on a misdemeanor charge of invasion of privacy with a recording device. He was then released, according to the Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff’s Lt. Jarrett Morris said deputies received a report of secret recording devices found in Schapansky’s possession on Friday. 

Recordings were found from various locations where minors would change their clothing, Morris said.

Laura Donner, the director of education at Santa Barbara Charter School, said Schapansky has been placed on leave as the investigation unfolds.

“We are beyond devastated and surprised that this was happening to students,” Donner said. “We had no idea anything like this was happening until we got informed by the Sheriff’s Department.”

Detectives are working to identify victims who were recorded without their knowledge. The Sheriff’s Office said detectives are working with administrators at the charter school to coordinate outreach and support services. 

Detectives are also coordinating with the county District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Morris added. Victims have the option of contacting the Victim/Witness Assistance Program directly at 805.568.2400 or 855.840.3232.

Santa Barbara Charter School is located at 6100 Stow Canyon Road, on the campus of Goleta Valley Junior High School. It an independent school authorized by the Santa Barbara Unified School District.