Former employee charged for hiding camera in Cristo Rey Jesuit High School girls' locker room heading to trial, pleads not guilty
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The former security coordinator at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School charged for recording videos inside a locker room is bound over for trial after a preliminary hearing on Thursday, March 13.
Fernando Bustos, 41, pleaded not guilty after waiving the hearing. He appeared in court out of custody.
Dozens of students and parents at the school filled the courtroom and lined the halls outside to watch Bustos for the first time since he was charged.
"What he did was really hurtful and it’s very unacceptable, what he did," said Eli Roque-Frias, a student at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. “I am hopeful that justice is served for us.”
“As a parent, I’m upset, I’m frustrated, I’m hurt. It doesn’t sit well with me," said Brandon Hobbs, parent of a student at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. “A lot of these ladies are hurt; they feel betrayed by someone who should have been there for them.”
According to the criminal complaint, detectives recovered nearly 400 videos from his personal camera, which was reportedly hidden in the back of a locker. One of the videos shows Bustos installing a camera inside the high school girls' locker room.
The locker room has been used exclusively by girls in grades 9-12, according to the school’s vice president of operations.
Bustos was fired from the school in early February for performance reasons. It was not until mid-February they say they discovered his personal recording devices and stored video files of students. Parents and students previously voiced their concern with the school's response. Roque-Frias says she's seen administrators respond to those concerns.
“We’ve done a lot with mental health and a focusing on the students' wellbeing, and I'm very appreciative that they’re taking their time to switch over the schedules and prioritize mental health for their students," Roque-Frias said.
On Thursday, CBS 58 reached out to school leaders about Bustos' court appearance. The following statement was shared:
“Cristo Rey Jesuit High School stands in solidarity with our students and families to see that Fernando Bustos is brought to justice. We are committed to making sure that our school and campus are safe and that our community receives the necessary support and resources as we all navigate this difficult time.
Over the last 10 years, Cristo Rey Jesuit has transformed the Milwaukee area through the education of our students as they become future leaders in our community. Cristo Rey Jesuit attorneys are working closely with law enforcement officials so that we can focus our energy and efforts on the education and well-being of our students.”
If convicted, Bustos faces 3.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. In court, the attorney on behalf of the State of Wisconsin said more charges could come as the investigation unfolds.
Bustos will be back in court in mid-April, according to online court records.