Former Md. school coach charged with child porn, assaults on male students, has HIV
CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (ABC7) — A former Charles County Public School instructional assistant and coach, who told police he is HIV positive, has been arrested for production of child porn and three counts of second-degree assault.
Carlos Deangelo Bell, 30, worked as an instructional assistant at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School in Waldorf and as a track coach at La Plata High School. Police say he also worked at JP Ryon Elementary in Waldorf and McDonough HS in Pomfret.
“If you don't think I've asked myself thousands of times, since learning, you're wrong. It is devastating to us that something like this could take place in a classroom - in a school building where adults are charged with taking care of children," said Charles Co. Superintendent Kim Hill in a press conference, Monday.
Police believe Bell sexually abused several males on school property, at his home, and possibly other locations.
Charles Co. Sheriff's Office say as many as 10 middle school students were assaulted, seven were identified from videos, and they are actively searching for more victims.
“So far, we are aware of 7 victims. Sadly, there may be more cases that we are not aware of at this time.”
According to police, detectives started investigating Bell in December after a tip of possible inappropriate behavior with a student while coaching tack.
“A parent observed suspicious text messages on a child's phone that were sexual in nature,” Sheriff Troy Berry said.
Detectives searched Bell's home, where they found a home computer and other electronics, and the Maryland State Police Crime Lab found data linking Bell to production of child porn.
“Some of the evidence found included graphic images of Bell sexually assaulting victims” Sheriff Berry said.
In a press release, police say Bell admitted to being HIV positive, and evidence confirmed that statement.
Police are trying to determine if there are more victims and ask parents who may have had children come into contact with Bell to speak to them about this.
Charles County Public Schools Superintendent Kimberly A. Hill sent the following letter home to parents Monday:
A special phone line was set up for this case, 1-800-CALL-FBI.
