Hagerstown bus attendant charged with sexual assault and rape of young special‑needs students
(Michael Sowers, Image credit: HPD)
A 71‑year‑old substitute school bus attendant in Hagerstown, Maryland, has been arrested and charged after police say surveillance footage captured him sexually assaulting three special‑needs students during a bus route on May 5.
Michael Sowers, of Hagerstown, was taken into custody at his home on May 8 after the Hagerstown Police Department (HPD) reviewed video provided in coordination with Washington County Public Schools (WCPS). According to HPD, the footage showed Sowers assaulting two boys and one girl, all between the ages of five and nine.
Investigators began looking into Sowers on May 7 after a report from the Washington County Department of Social Services. Detectives quickly identified the suspect, reviewed the footage, and secured an arrest warrant.
Sowers faces the criminal charges listed below:
Victim #1
- 3rd Degree Sex Offense
- 4th Degree Sex Offense
- 2nd Degree Assault
Victim #2
- 3rd Degree Sex Offense
- 4th Degree Sex Offense
- 2nd Degree Assault
Victim #3
- 2nd Degree Rape
WCPS confirmed that Sowers, who had worked in both full‑ and part‑time roles since 2022 and passed a background check at the time of his initial hiring, is no longer employed by the district.
In a message to families on Friday, Washington County Public Schools called the allegations “serious and deeply disturbing.” ~ Fox 5 DC News
Police say the investigation remains active, and additional victims are possible as detectives continue reviewing bus route footage. Anyone with information is urged to contact HPD Det. Fleegal at afleegal@hagerstownpd.org.
Any questions regarding Sowers’ employment should be directed to Washington County Public Schools.
~
Source and mugshot: Hagerstown Police Department
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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