In a surprising turn of events at a northeast Las Vegas elementary school, a computer technician was caught in a desperate plea, kneeling and urging that the police not be alerted following the discovery of a recording device in a classroom. This incident unfolded after a teacher at Woolley Elementary School stumbled upon a digital audio recorder hidden inside a dislodged ceiling sensor on March 20. Haroon Rashid Zakai, the technician in question, implored for discretion, fearing the repercussions on his career, as detailed in an arrest report by the Clark County School District Police Department.
Zakai, who has been part of the school district’s staff since February 2022, confessed to the individual poised to contact the authorities. He admitted to installing the recording device with the intention of capturing student conversations. His aim, he claimed, was to leverage these recordings for his AI device business to combat bullying. However, when Zakai attempted to retrieve the device, presumably to erase the evidence, the individual insisted he leave it untouched on her desk, concerned it might bear fingerprints.
Despite repeated attempts to secure the device, Zakai was firmly instructed to steer clear. His persistence led to a physical altercation when he tried to abscond with the device, only to be subdued by the individual using a “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” maneuver, resulting in both of them falling to the ground. Overwhelmed by the situation, Zakai broke down in tears, prompting his release. He then fled to a room, locking himself in with the sensor’s outer casing.
The individual managed to secure the recording device and promptly sought refuge in a witness room, awaiting the arrival of law enforcement. Upon their arrival, the school’s principal informed the officers that Zakai had left the premises, claiming he needed to drop his son off at home but would return to discuss the matter with the police. Zakai was apprehended around 5 p.m. at the school.
The Clark County School District issued a statement on March 21, clarifying that the incident primarily involved adults. The arresting officer highlighted in the report that a classroom is deemed a private space where confidential discussions about students and staff occur, expecting these conversations to remain unrecorded without explicit consent from all parties involved.
Zakai now faces multiple charges, including unauthorized electronic surveillance at a school, attempting to destroy or conceal evidence, damaging educational property, and monitoring private conversations without consent. Following these allegations, the school district announced that Zakai would be placed on unpaid leave pending further investigation, in accordance with the terms agreed upon with the employee’s union, and he would be barred from entering the campus.
For further details, contact Brett Clarkson at bclarkson@reviewjournal.com.