Former School Custodian Facing Charges After Hiding in Girls’ Locker Room

What should have been a routine girls’ basketball game at Martinsburg High School quickly turned into a night of fear and confusion. William Howard Shoup, 25, a custodian with Berkeley County Schools, was discovered hiding in a closet inside the girls’ locker room for the visiting team from Hedgesville High School.

The discovery happened during the game on Thursday night. Many of the players and staff noticed something was off, and law enforcement was contacted immediately. The Martinsburg City Police Department responded swiftly to apprehend Shoup. The situation left students and families shaken.

Berkeley County Schools confirmed that Shoup will not return to the school or the district.

The Charges Against Shoup

According to a press release from Berkeley County Schools, “Law enforcement was contacted immediately and responded to the school, where the individual was apprehended, and a total of 29 charges have since been filed.”

These charges include:

• 14 counts of invasion of privacy for visually portraying students who were fully or partially nude without permission
• 13 counts related to attempting to commit a felony
• 2 counts for possessing a firearm or deadly weapon on school grounds

He was arraigned in Berkeley County Magistrate Court, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Shoup is being held at the Eastern Regional Jail on $1.3 million bail.

School Response and Student Support

Superintendent Dr. Ryan Saxe praised the swift action of the Martinsburg City Police Department and the cooperation of school administrators.

All students involved were interviewed, and families were contacted immediately. Support services are now in place to help students process the emotional impact of this incident.

Dr. Saxe also reminded the community that the district does have a comprehensive hiring process that includes background checks for all employees. He stressed the importance of protecting privacy and preserving the integrity of the investigation.

As a result, no further details will be released at this time.

Schools Take Strict Safety Measures

Incidents like this are another reminder that safety policies are required in schools. Even with thorough background checks, schools must maintain vigilance. Plus, they need to have strict access controls for sensitive areas like locker rooms.

Additionally, parents and guardians are encouraged to talk openly with their children about safety and to reach out to school counselors or administrators if their child is struggling. With these measures, children can feel safe and supported after any traumatic event like the one in Martinsburg.

Hendrickson & Long, PLLC Advocates for Your Child’s Rights

Children deserve safe spaces to learn, play, and grow. When that trust is violated, families need strong support. Parents can help their children feel secure and supported, even in the aftermath of an upsetting incident.

If your child has been affected by sexual misconduct or abuse at school, searching for answers can be an isolating experience for both children and their parents. At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we represent victims of sexual abuse and guide families through the legal process.

We are here to help families hold responsible parties accountable and protect their child’s rights.

If you are concerned about your child’s safety or want to understand your legal options, reaching out to Hendrickson & Long, PLLC should be your first step. You can contact us through our online contact form, at in**@***dL.com, or 304-346-5500.