HAGERSTOWN- A substitute employee that had access to juveniles traveling to and from Washington County Public Schools locations has been arrested for alleged sexual assault.
On May 7th, the Hagerstown Police Department received information from Washington County Department of Social Services regarding a substitute school bus attendant inappropriately touching several students on a school bus. HPD’s child crimes detective immediately began an investigation and coordinated with Washington County Public School officials.
In coordination with WCPS, HPD’s detective was able to view surveillance footage from inside the bus. The footage revealed that on May 5th, the suspect, identified as 71-year-old Michael Sowers of Hagerstown, sexually assaulted three students. Two of the victims were male and one was female. They range in age from five to nine years old. The children are all considered special needs.
An arrest warrant was issued on May 7th and Sowers was arrested on Friday morning, May 8th, at his home. This is an active and ongoing investigation.
HPD say that they will continue to work with WCPS, reviewing bus routes and surveillance footage. It is possible that there are more victims. If you have any further information, please contact Det. Fleegal at afleegal@hagerstownpd.org
Any questions about Sowers employment should be directed to Washington County Public Schools. Sowers is charged with the following for each victim:
- 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
