A former Mississippi principal will spend 30 years in prison after secretly videotaping and photographing students in the bathroom and locker room.

Norman Keith Aycock, 56, was sentenced for the attempted production of child sexual abuse material while serving as principal of Bayou Academy’s elementary school in Cleveland.

The investigation began in January 2022 after a student discovered a hidden camera in the bathroom of the girl’s locker room at the school. Law enforcement determined Aycock placed the camera along with others throughout the school, including in the office where he met with students.

Ultimately, investigators discovered that Aycock’s hidden camera footage in the school spanned over six years. On August 10, Aycock pleeaded guilty to two counts of attempted production of child sexual exploitative material.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Aycock to 30 years in federal prison for the offense to be followed by five years of supervised release. He is also ordered to pay restitution to victims and will be required to register as a sex offender.

The former principal remains under state indictment in the circuit court of Bolivar County where the charges are pending.

“Safeguarding our children from predators is one of my top priorities,” Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch said. “I am proud of my team’s efforts investigating this case with the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department, and I am grateful for the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to secure this federal sentence. While we cannot undo the harm that has been done to these victims, we can work together to ensure justice is served.”

The Mississippi AG’s cyber crime division investigated the case, with assistance from the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Addison prosecuted the case.