FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (WUSA) -- The sheriff's deputy in charge of policing Walkersville High School has been charged with striking up a sexual relationship with a 14-year old girl there.
Deputy Sam Bowman, 46, was arrested Wednesday evening and charged with child sex abuse and a fourth degree sex offense. After posting $75,000 bond, he was released.
According to court documents, Bowman is accused after driving the girl home in his patrol car March 14th. The girl told investigators about a sexual encounter in the car the escalated to Bowman and the girl together in her bedroom with no one else home.
Bowman denies any sexual contact with the girl. He told investigators he was searching the girl's bedroom for evidence she was "huffing" paint. He admits he did not report his concerns or contact the girl's parents.
Departmental GPS records show Bowman's patrol car was at the home for nearly an hour and a half. Two other visits to the home were also logged.
The girl told investigators rumors were spreading in school, but that they were not true. Later, she reluctantly told investigators more about the alleged sexual encounter, court documents indicate.
Officials with the Sheriff's Department say Bowman is suspended without pay, and investigators are trying to determine if there were other incidents.
Bowman is married with three children, according to the charging documents.