Gene Baker, 52, was arrested by Seattle police after a tenant of his reported finding a hidden camera in an alarm clock he had given her.

“We are deeply troubled by the allegations and are offering our full support to police”

When the police searched the property, a camera and memory card were found inside the clock, and according to police reports, images of the 17-year old in “states of undress” were discovered.

It is understood the alleged victim was a student at SSC, and that Baker had hosted a number of international students over a number of years. Police did not discount the possibility of further crimes, saying “it is possible he has done this to other female students without being caught,” according to court records.

It was further alleged that more recording devices were removed from the house before police could search it. He was found packing his possessions into his car when police arrived, and it is understood he had purchased plane tickets to South Korea.

After paying a bail bond of $500,000, he was released from jail, but later charged with “voyeurism” and the additional charge of perjury, after an assault-style weapon was found in his residence. He had earlier told King County Superior Court that he had no weapons to surrender. It is legal to both carry and conceal weapons in the state of Washington.

In a statement, South Seattle College told The PIE News it is working with police, and has begun a review of housing and staff policies.

“We are deeply troubled by the allegations involving a former South Seattle College employee and are offering our full support to police in their investigation while also launching an internal investigation. We are focused on supporting and assisting those impacted in our college community,” a spokesperson said.

“The Seattle Colleges District has initiated a full review of housing and employee code of conduct policies,” they confirmed.

The institution also confirmed to The PIE that Baker worked at the College for 11 years, and his role included international student recruitment, alongside marketing and ‘outreach’ activities.

Baker only submitted his resignation on November 13, the same day he was arrested. It is understood that his resignation was not expected.