Hagerstown, MD (JK) – A Hagerstown man has been arrested after police say he sexually assaulted three special needs students while working as a substitute school bus attendant for Washington County Public Schools.
The Hagerstown Police Department says detectives began investigating on May 7 after receiving information from the Washington County Department of Social Services regarding allegations of inappropriate touching involving students on a school bus.
Investigators worked with Washington County Public Schools to review surveillance video from inside the bus. Police say the footage showed 71-year-old Michael Sowers of Hagerstown assaulting three children during a bus ride on May 5. The victims included two boys and one girl ranging in age from five to nine years old.
Police obtained an arrest warrant Thursday, and Sowers was taken into custody Friday morning at his Hagerstown home.
Authorities say Sowers is charged with multiple offenses, including third-degree sex offense, fourth-degree sex offense, second-degree assault and second-degree rape.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing bus surveillance footage and routes in coordination with school officials. Police say there may be additional victims.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Fleegal with the Hagerstown Police Department.
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