In early March 2025, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Milwaukee faced a troubling scandal when a former security guard, Fernando Bustos, was accused of placing a hidden camera in the girls’ locker room. The discovery, reported on February 19, 2025, has led to significant unrest within the school community, raising serious questions about privacy, safety, and administrative accountability.
The incident gained widespread attention through a post on X by Collin Rugg on March 13, 2025, which highlighted that Bustos was criminally charged after allegedly being caught with over 400 videos of girls changing, recorded using a hidden camera in the locker room. This post underscored the severity of the allegations, noting Bustos’s not guilty plea on the same day to charges of producing hundreds of such videos at the Jesuit high school. As a former police officer who resigned in 2020, Bustos’s background added further scrutiny to the case.
Media inquiries prompted the school to notify parents, revealing a delay in communication that has fueled frustration. Parents have expressed deep concern and a sense of betrayal over the lack of immediate transparency, fearing for their daughters’ well-being. This frustration culminated in a student-led walkout on March 7, 2025, as students voiced dissatisfaction with the administration’s response, particularly targeting interim principal Patrick Bader for what they perceived as insufficient empathy and information.
Tensions escalated when a priest’s comment during mass, urging prayers for Bustos, upset many in the community, prompting a swift apology from the school for the distress it caused. A board meeting following the walkout required Milwaukee police presence, underscoring the intensity of the community’s demand for answers. Parents like Michelle Mora have called for stronger measures to prevent future incidents, reflecting broader skepticism about the school’s promises to improve.
In response, Cristo Rey has committed to enhancing communication and transparency, with plans to review safety protocols and hiring practices. Yet, trust remains shaky, overshadowing the school’s recent celebration of alumni achievements, such as the “40 Under 40” recognition, as the community awaits tangible action to restore confidence.
