HIV positive Charles County sex assault suspect had additional involvement with youth, police say
LA PLATA, Md. - An HIV positive Charles County man who is accused of sexually assaulting "several male students" had additional involvement with youth, according to authorities.
Carlos Deangelo Bell, 30, sexually assaulted at least seven boys and recorded the events, according to the Charles County Sheriff's Office.
Officials revealed on Monday that Bell had worked at J. P. Ryon Elementary School, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, Maurice J. McDonough High School and La Plata High School in different capacities such as an instructional assistant and track coach.
Bell had been employed with Charles County Public Schools since 2014, according to district officials.
Investigators announced on Wednesday that they'd learned Bell also worked as:
The Comets released the following statement to FOX 5:
"The Comets of Charles County have been in constant communication with the authorities providing them with the information they need to conduct their investigation. We send our deepest sympathies and prayers to the families affected by these circumstances."
Investigators said a concerned parent checked her child's phone and found inappropriate text messages in November. Authorities began investigating Bell in December and he 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.
Concerns were raised about the timeliness of the investigation after detectives said they had been looking into Bell's personal electronics since December after the inappropriate text messages were reported. However, Bell was only arrested last week.
Maryland State Police, the agency that was tasked with providing computer forensic lab services for the investigation, said in part in a statement:
"We have four forensic analysts who must view tens of thousands of digital files often when analyzing only one piece of electronic equipment. These techs must review the digital files piece by piece. They have no way of knowing where the 'important' or 'most serious' files may be. We tell those requesting our services that significant time may be involved."
Investigators said 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 10 victims and seven had been identified.
Bell sexually assaulted the students while not wearing protection, authorities stated. Only two students have been tested so far and both of their results came back HIV negative, according to officials.
Bell's neighbors said they saw kids in and out of his home, but it did not raise suspicion. They said he seemed like a nice guy.
The sheriff's office said Bell, of Waldorf, was arrested on June 30 for a number of charges including second-degree assault and production of child pornography.
Bell is being held without bond and the sheriff's office said more charges were pending. 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 has established a hotline for anyone with concerns about their children relating to this case. That number is 1-800-225-5324.