Teacher from South Colonie arraigned on unlawful surveillance charges

COLONIE – A fifth grade teacher charged with unlawful surveillance was arraigned in Colonie Town Court on Monday.

Patrick Morgan was a longtime teacher at Sand Creek Middle School in Colonie. He has been placed on administrative leave and is not working on school grounds, according to the South Colonie district.

Police say Morgan placed a camera in a faculty bathroom. They say the camera was disguised as a phone charger.

Judge David Green said the court had ‘grave concerns’ for Morgan’s mental health.

"The nature of these charges is quite alarming, quite disturbing," Green said.

Morgan is facing 22 felony charges, including unlawful surveillance.

Green said he did not have the authority to set cash bail. He ordered Morgan be released under supervision. The judge also granted 11 orders of protection for some of the people Morgan is accused of recording. Police say there are more than 20 alleged victims.

Earlier, Colonie police told NewsChannel 13 they found out who was recording staff, based on the videos they found on the camera.

They say video taken by the camera showed Morgan planting the device and checking on it, which is how they say they were able to determine who put it there.

Police also said Morgan could face more charges based on whether he distributed the content. They searched his Herkimer County home Monday for answers.

The judge also said he anticipated the case would be taken up by a grand jury. Morgan is due back in court on March 2.