Washington County School Bus Attendant Arrested on Multiple Charges Involving Special Needs Students

The Hagerstown Police Department, in conjunction with Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), has announced the arrest of a school bus attendant, Michael Sowers, on serious criminal charges involving students. The allegations stem from incidents that reportedly occurred on a school bus and have led to Sowers’ termination from WCPS, effective May 7, 2026. While specific details are limited due to ongoing investigations and state privacy laws, the charges against Sowers are described as significant and concerning, involving multiple special needs students under the age of ten.

Mr. Sowers was initially hired by WCPS in March 2022 as a substitute bus attendant. Prior to his employment, he underwent and cleared standard fingerprinting and criminal background checks, as mandated by Maryland law. He later served as a permanent bus attendant for approximately six months before transitioning back to a substitute bus attendant and crossing guard role in April 2023. As a substitute, he was not assigned to a specific route, filling in on an as-needed basis across the county.

The investigation began on May 7, 2026, when the Hagerstown Police Department received information from the Washington County Department of Social Services concerning alleged inappropriate touching of students by a substitute school bus attendant. A detective specializing in child crimes immediately initiated an investigation and collaborated with WCPS officials. Surveillance footage from inside the bus was reviewed, which reportedly revealed that on May 5, 2026, Mr. Sowers, identified as a 71-year-old Hagerstown resident, is accused of sexually assaulting three students. The victims are described as two males and one female, all between the ages of five and nine, and are considered special needs students.

An arrest warrant was issued on May 7, 2026, and Mr. Sowers was apprehended at his residence on May 8, 2026. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities continuing to work with WCPS to review bus routes and surveillance footage, as there is a possibility of additional victims. WCPS has stated that they are cooperating fully with the Hagerstown Police Department and the Washington County Department of Social Services to ensure a thorough investigation. The school district’s priority is to provide necessary care and support to any identified student victims and to allow the justice system to operate to its full legal extent.

WCPS emphasized that the safety, health, and well-being of students are paramount. All school system employees are designated as mandatory reporters for suspected child abuse or neglect and are required to report such incidents immediately to the Washington County Department of Social Services. Community members with similar concerns are also encouraged to report them to the Department of Social Services via their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-917-7383.

For individuals who believe their child may have been impacted in this specific case, the Hagerstown Police Department has provided contact information for Detective Fleegal, who can be reached via email at afleegal@hagerstownpd.org. Mr. Sowers faces multiple charges for each alleged victim, including third-degree sex offense, fourth-degree sex offense, and second-degree assault. For one of the victims, he is also charged with second-degree rape.

Complete statement from WCPS is below:

This afternoon, the Hagerstown Police Department publicly shared information about a Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) employee who is now facing charges related to alleged criminal acts involving students on a school bus. He is no longer employed by WCPS, effective May 7, 2026.
While the information released by law enforcement is general in nature, the allegations and criminal charges that have been filed against the former employee are serious and deeply concerning. The individual facing charges, Mr. Michael Sowers, was hired by WCPS in March of 2022 as a substitute bus attendant. In accordance with Maryland law, he completed and cleared fingerprinting and a criminal background check before being hired and working with students. Mr. Sowers later worked as a permanent bus attendant for almost six (6) months before returning to a substitute bus attendant/crossing guard position in April of 2023. WCPS is limited in sharing further details about Mr. Sowers at this time due to Maryland laws governing the type of offenses with which the police have charged him.
WCPS acts quickly and follows a standard, consistent process when an employee’s conduct is questioned and brought to its attention. In some instances, matters must be referred to other governmental agencies for appropriate investigation and initial action. WCPS is fully cooperating with the Washington County Department of Social Services and the Hagerstown Police Department on this matter so that these agencies can complete a thorough investigation. WCPS’ priority is to ensure that any students who are identified as victims can receive the care and support they need. It is also critical that our justice system can work to the fullest extent of the law.
The safety, health, and wellbeing of our students remain WCPS’ highest priorities. In this regard, all school system employees are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect. Therefore, any staff member must immediately report such incidents to the Washington County Department of Social Services, and community members who have similar concerns are also encouraged to report them to the Department of Social Services at 1-800-91Prevent (1-800-917-7383). This line is available 24 hours a day.
If you believe your child may have been impacted in this particular case, please contact Detective Fleegal at the Hagerstown Police Department by emailing afleegal@hagerstownpd.org.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from The Hagerstown Police Department

Video Spotlight