Sentencing hearing set for former McDonald County High School janitor for placing camera in girls locker room

The sentencing date for a former McDonald County High School janitor who pleaded guilty earlier this month to two counts of invasion of privacy and 20 counts of endangering the welfare of a child has been scheduled for 9 a.m. December 23 in Newton County Circuit Court. The case was moved to Newton County on a change of venue from McDonald County.

Under a plea bargain agreement with the McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney's office, a sentence of no more than six years on all counts with the sentences to run concurrently will be recommended for Rodger Copeland, 54, Neosho, who retains the option to ask the judge for a lesser sentence or probation. The final decision will be up to Judge Charles Spencer Genisio.

In the plea agreement, Copeland acknowledged his crimes.

At the beginning of the 2024 school year, I placed a camera in the girls locker room. Two instances of partial nudity were recorded and 20 girls under age 17 years of age were identifiable on the recording. I understand that finding out you were recorded without your knowledge could affect your mental health.

Copeland was initially charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography and invasion of privacy,.

According to the probable cause statement, Copeland immediately acknowledged to investigators from the McDonald County Sheriff's Office that he was responsible for the camera.

Copeland then stated he wanted to experiment, and wanted to look at the girl's bodies, and faces, because they were pretty. Copeland stated he did it because it had to do a lot with him being lonely.

At the moment, the probable cause statement is no longer available to the public in McDonald County Circuit Court records after Judge Christine Rhoades sustained a defense motion to have the file removed because of threats to Copeland's safety.

At the request of the McDonald County Sheriff, and finding it to be necessary for the safety of McDonald County Jail and the Defendant, the Court orders that the Circuit Clerk raise the security level on the case to a Level 3. It is the Court's intention that the public be given information regarding the case over the phone or in person, if requested. So ordered. /s/ A. Christine Rhoades

While that file still isn't available online, the Newton County Circuit Court file on the case was restored last week after Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed a motion to make the case available to the public.

While the court should always take the safety of Defendant and Jailers into consideration, the Defendant’s guilty plea and pending sentencing should be freely available and known to the public.

The State asks this court to lower the security level to grant the public access to the case, including Defendant’s guilty plea and pending sentence date.

Judge Genisio granted the motion October 21.