Former WCPS Transportation Employee
Faces Criminal Charges

May 8, 2026

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 be a victim in this case, please contact the Hagerstown Police Department at 301-790-3700 or the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 240-313-2100.

June 24, 2026

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) wishes to share an update with our learning community regarding the criminal charges against a former employee, Michael Sowers. Mr. Sowers was recently indicted by a Washington County grand jury, accused of sexually assaulting students while serving as a substitute bus attendant for WCPS. Mr. Sowers no longer works for WCPS, effective May 7, 2026.

Now that law enforcement has determined that releasing limited additional details will not interfere with ongoing investigations into Mr. Sowers’ actions, the school system would like to share more information with families. Please note WCPS is still limited in what we can share due to the ongoing nature of the investigations.

Over the last six weeks, WCPS staff invested countless hours to support the work of law enforcement and investigators to ensure that any potential victims were identified. This work included determining the days and bus routes Mr. Sowers worked during his four years as a WCPS employee and reviewing hundreds of hours of bus security video footage, which has been provided to investigators. In addition, WCPS staff followed up with families who were concerned their student(s) may have been impacted and provided as much information as possible under the circumstances. Our team continues to be responsive to law enforcement requests as the investigations move forward. 

This week, WCPS sent a direct message to all families whose students were eligible to ride a school bus that Mr. Sowers was assigned to work during the 2025-2026 school year. These families were notified because their child may have come in contact with Mr. Sowers during this school year. 

WCPS holds our staff to the highest standards and expectations. The accusation that a staff member violated these standards is devastating. WCPS is incredibly grateful for the police officers, investigators, support service providers, and our staff who assisted our students and their families through this difficult time. 

WCPS, together with our partners, is committed to supporting our students and families who may need mental health care, are impacted through a traumatic event, or are simply seeking support with raising their children through challenging circumstances. 

 

• FREE TREATMENT SERVICES – CARE SOLACE
  For students and/or parents who are seeking support and need help finding services, visit https://www.caresolace.com/site/wcps-k12 and click on the Need Help button. This will put you in contact with a live care coordinator who will complete a screening and pair you with appropriate care providers. See the attached flyer for more details.
   
• PARENTING COACHING – PARENT GUIDANCE
  For parents seeking support in video form, free live parent coaching over the phone, live webinars, or wanting to try a general “Ask a Therapist” service, visit https://parentguidance.org. Resources include how to support your child through a difficult time or when you suspect abuse, along with many other topics.
   
• INSURANCE COVERAGE BARRIERS
  For students who need therapy but don't have insurance or are experiencing other insurance barriers, WCPS has funding to cover the cost of up to 10 sessions through various agencies. To access these grant-funded services, contact Marjorie Sharkey, Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services, at sharkmar@wcps.k12.md.us or call 301-766-8739. WCPS can also help coordinate transportation on a limited basis.
   
• SUPPORT THROUGH LOCAL AGENCIES
  For those who may have witnessed trauma or been vicariously traumatized, CASA can provide phone counseling to parents and counseling with children as needed. Call 301-739-4990 or email Kelsey at kelseyg@casainc.com to explore using these free services.
  
  See also, the WCPS Community Agencies List. 

If you believe your child may be a victim in this case, please contact the Hagerstown Police Department at 301-790-3700 or the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 240-313-2100.