A PE teacher at West Hall Middle School now faces felony charges as part of an ongoing investigation into his online conduct with juveniles.
Authorities say 33-year-old William David Bagwell sent a sexually explicit message to a 15-year-old girl through social media. She’s the second student he’s accused of having illicit contact with. Bagwell was initially accused of sending a photo of his genitals to a 14-year-old female high school student.
Bagwell, who has been with the Hall County School District since 2014, now faces two felony counts. He’s charged with obscene internet contact with a child in relation to the alleged message and sexual assault against a student in relation to the photo. In addition, he’s charged with electronically furnishing obscene material to a minor, which is a misdemeanor.
The three charges relate to activity that occurred between July 1 and August 26 of this year, according to Hall County Sheriff’s spokesperson Derreck Booth. There is no evidence at this time that Bagwell had any physical contact with the victims, according to investigators.
Parent contacted School Resource Officer
The investigation began last Thursday, September 26, after a parent contacted a Hall County School Resource Officer to report allegations of inappropriate digital communication. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office and school district immediately launched an investigation. An arrest warrant was issued and Bagwell was taken into custody at the Hall County Sheriff’s Office that same night without incident. He was released from jail on September 27 on a $17,100 bond.
Hall County School District Director of Communications Stan Lewis says he’s unable to provide specifics on the status of Bagwell’s employment but adds “we are in the middle of a process and are addressing the situation appropriately. Our bigger focus right now is on our students, the victims, and how we can provide them support.”
The case remains under investigation by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
