Janitor allegedly took photos in school restroom

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WHDH) -- A janitor at the A.S. Letourneau Elementary School in Fall River allegedly used his cell phone to take photos in a school bathroom.

Authorities said 57-year-old Bruce Tidwell’s cell phone was loaded with more than 300 inappropriate pictures.

Officials said they discovered the photos after a 40-year-old counselor reported that she was photographed using a bathroom in the school. The counselor told police she heard a cell phone camera “click.”

The counselor said when she came out, she saw Tidwell on his hands and knees on the floor with his flip-style cell phone.

“It’s getting to the point where I’m seriously considering home schooling my child,” said Christine Soares, a parent.

Court records say the school’s principal told authorities she had received a similar complaint involving the janitor. Seven to eight female teachers made reports concerning inappropriate comments including, “You look good in those jeans” and “Are you happily married.”

The suspect at first denied taking any photos of the counselor, but later told police “You got me...I am a sick man and I like to look at women.”

The superintendent released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying the janitor is now on administrative leave. Tidwell is not currently in custody. Police said they do not believe any children were photographed.