Ex-School Aide in Maryland Faces Over 100 Counts of Child Sex Abuse
Local Maryland news outlets reported that a former teachers’ aide and track coach in Charles County faces 119 felony counts of child sex abuse in an indictment handed down on July 30, 2017. 30-year-old Carlos Deangelo Bell is confirmed to be HIV positive and abused at least 24 students at local school(s), his home, and maybe other locations.
Charges Against Charles Deangelo Bell
The alleged abuse took place between May 2015 and June 2017, and at least three children are positive for HIV. In addition to the HIV charges, other ones include giving marijuana to minors and filming children in a sex act. The victims were all boys, mostly middle schoolers and pre-adolescent adults. At least 11 of the victims have been identified and there is conjecture there may be more victims.
Bell was caught based on an inappropriate text message on a student’s phone. A concerned parent was checking the child’s phone and noticed the messages in November. After launching an investigation, Bell was terminated on December 22.
According to Fox 5 DC, the full list of charges is:
- 12 counts of child sexual abuse (each count carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison)
- 38 counts of second-degree sex offense (each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison)
- Two counts of third-degree sex offense (each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison)
- Two counts of second-degree assault (each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison)
- 44 counts of filming child pornography (each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison)
- Two counts of solicitation of a minor (each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison)
- Five counts displaying obscene matter to a minor (each count carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison)
- Three counts of transmitting or attempting to transmit HIV virus to another (each count carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison)
- Five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (each count carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison)
- Distribution of marijuana (carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison)
Where Bell Worked
Bell has worked at a number of schools in and around Charles County since 2014. He was an instructional assistant at Stoddert Middle School, J.P. Ryon Elementary School in Waldorf, and he was a track coach at La Plata High School and Maurice J. McDonough High School in Pomfret. He no longer worked for Charles County as of December of 2016, but the abuse continued for another six months.
Talk to Your Children About Sexual Abuse
It is a horrible topic to consider as a parent, but one that needs discussing, especially in light of this matter. Make sure your children know they can trust you and start lightly. Ask non-directly if they know this teacher or anyone else who might.
Contact an Experienced Charles County Personal Injury and Child Abuse Attorney
If your child may have had contact with Bell, the FBI has set up a special line for parents to call in: 800-CALL-FBI. If you believe your child came into contact with Bell, or maybe the victim of child abuse at another school, it is imperative that you talk with a licensed personal injury attorney who has experience in child abuse cases. Please contact the Law Office of Robert R. Castro at (301) 804-2312 today to schedule a free consultation.
