HIV positive Charles County school assistant accused of sexually victimizing 42 children
LA PLATA, Md. - A former Charles County school assistant who officials said is HIV positive has been indicted on more charges and is now accused of sexually victimizing 42 juveniles.
The Charles County State Attorney’s Office announced on Monday that a 206-count indictment had been handed down to 30-year-old Carlos Deangelo Bell, an increase from the 119-count indictment handed down in July.
Bell, of Waldorf, is now accused of sexually victimizing 42 juveniles after officials reported 24 victims back in July. Of the 42 victims, officials said 28 have been identified and 14 remain unidentified.
Authorities stated Bell sexually abused his victims at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, at his home and possibly at other locations between May of 2015 and June of 2017. Bell sexually assaulted students while not wearing protection, according to police.
Officials said ages of the victims ranged from 11 years old to 17 years old. The state attorney’s office said they were not aware of any of the victims testing positive for HIV.
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 faces the following charges, according to the state attorney’s office:
- 22 counts of sexual abuse of a minor (each count carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison)
- 19 counts of second-degree sex offense – force (each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison)
- 19 counts of second-degree sex offenses – age (each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison)
- 7 counts of third-degree sex offense (each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison)
- 97 counts of child pornography – filming (each count carries maximum sentence of 10 years in prison)
- 6 counts of solicitation of a minor (each count carries maximum sentence of 10 years in prison)
- 3 counts of second-degree assault (each count carries maximum sentence of 10 years in prison)
- 7 counts of distribution of marijuana (each count carries maximum sentence of 5 years in prison)
- 8 counts of contributing to delinquency minor (each count carries maximum sentence of 3 years in prison)
- 5 counts of attempted transfer of HIV (each count carries maximum sentence of 3 years in prison)
- 13 counts of displaying obscene item to minor (each count carries maximum sentence of 1 year in prison)
If convicted of certain crimes listed in the indictment, the state attorney’s office said it would seek life in prison for Bell. He was being held without bond and was scheduled to be in court on Jan. 8.
Officials said the investigation into Bell was still ongoing and urged anyone with information that could help them to call 1-800-225-5324.