LEONARDTOWN, Md. (WMAR) — A former elementary school teacher has been charged for an alleged sex offense that took place more than four decades ago.
Back in September 2018, St. Mary's County Public Schools notified the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office of information they received on a teacher who may have sexually assaulted students during the 1970s.
An investigation lead detectives to a 73-year-old Glen Burnie man, Theodore Bell.
It was found that from 1972 through 1975, Bell had lived in Leonardtown, while teaching at White Marsh Elementary School in Mechanicsville.
During that time, Bell is alleged to have committed a sex offense against at least one student attending the school, though detectives don't believe any of the crimes took place on school property.
Officials say enough evidence was gathered to charge Bell with second-degree sex offense involving an underage victim, perverted practice, and second-degree assault.
According to online court records, Bell was issued a criminal summons and had an initial appearance at a St. Mary's County Circuit Court on Tuesday.
Investigators say there are potentially more victims, and ask anyone with information to contact them at 301-475-4200.
