HIV positive Charles County sex assault suspect faces 119 counts, officials say
LA PLATA, Md. - A Charles County middle school instructional assistant and track coach who's accused of sexually assaulting several male students while being HIV positive has been handed down an 119-count indictment, according to officials.
The Charles County State Attorney's Office announced the charges against 30-year-old Carlos Deangelo Bell during a press conference Monday afternoon.
In the video player above, officials announce the 119-count indictment against Bell.
Authorities stated Bell, who was determined to be HIV positive, sexually abused his victims at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, at his home and possibly at other locations.
Officials said there were at least 24 victims, 13 of whom had been identified, who were victims of Bell sometime between May 2015 to June 2017.
Bell sexually assaulted the students while not wearing protection, according to authorities. During the early July press conference, the Charles County Sheriff's Department said only two students had been tested so far and both of their results came back HIV negative.
Bell has worked at J. P. Ryon Elementary School and Benjamin Stoddert Middle School in Waldorf as an instructional assistant, and at Maurice J. McDonough High School in Pomfret and La Plata High School as a track coach, according to deputies.
Investigators said a concerned parent checked her child's phone and found inappropriate text messages in connection with Bell in November. Authorities launched an investigation in December and Bell was removed from La Plata High School and his coaching job on Dec. 22.
A search of Bell's work computer didn't reveal anything suspicious, according to detectives. But police said a search of Bell's home computer and electronic devices turned up child pornography.
Bell, of Waldorf, faces the following charges according to the state attorney's office:
Investigators said they believed there could be more victims. Authorities urged parents whose children may have had contact with Bell to talk with them.
The FBI established a hotline for anyone with concerns about their children relating to the case. That number is 1-800-225-5324.
The principal of Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, Kenneth Schroeck, was reassigned to the Charles County Public Schools Office of Supporting Services following Monday's announcement. School officials stated Marvin Jones, the executive director of schools, would serve as interim principal effective immediately.