A former teacher’s aide and track coach was arrested Friday in Charles County, Md., on two counts of sexual assault and three charges of producing child pornography.
According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Carlos Bell, 30, who has been accused of molesting multiple male students, told officials he had tested positive for HIV, and evidence corroborated his claim.
A former teacher’s aide and track coach was arrested Friday in Charles County, Md., on two counts of sexual assault and three charges of producing child pornography.
According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Carlos Bell, 30, who has been accused of molesting multiple male students, told officials he had tested positive for HIV, and evidence corroborated his claim.
Authorities began investigating Bell in December after a concerned parent alerted officials to a series of messages sent directly from Bell to a high school student.
Detectives made a search of Bell’s home, where evidence was found linking Bell to the production of child pornography.
Charles County Public Schools informed USA Today that Bell was immediately removed from his position as aide at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School and head indoor track coach at La Plata High School. He was also barred from teaching and has not worked in any school building since December 22 of 2016.
On Monday, Charles County Public Schools released a public statement informing parents and staff of the allegations against Bell.
In the statement, superintendent Kimberly Hill assured parents that Bell would have no further contact with students or student-athletes.
“I am alarmed and saddened by these alleged incidents, some of which occurred at school. Student safety is job one, and clearly we have work to do to determine where we fell short in this instance, and how we can ensure that this will never happen again,” the statement read.
Hill also made a request for any additional information, telling parents, “We encourage you to talk with your children, and if they report anything inappropriate whatsoever, please call 1-800-225-5324.”
The number is a phone line established by the FBI to voice concerns relating to the case. The school district’s complete statement can be viewed at usatodayhss.com.
Thus far, investigators have identified four victims in the case. Two have been tested for HIV with negative results. Attempts are being made to identify the remaining three victims.
Bell is being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. More charges are expected in the ongoing investigation.
