Justin Wayne Bell, 40, from California, Maryland, was taken into custody on November 1, 2024, after an event at an apartment complex on FDR Boulevard. Authorities have filed charges in connection with a reported child abuse case involving a ten-year-old boy.
Deputy Glenn Knott from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office answered a call regarding child abuse at the scene, as stated in court documents. Emergency communications alerted him that the boy, who was later identified as the victim, was located in an apartment.
When Deputy Knott arrived, he encountered the boy’s mother, who looked clearly upset. She said she was searching for her son and shared that they resided in the apartment.
Deputy Knott and the mother went to the apartment, where they discovered the boy in a distressed condition. The child, trembling and in tears, shared that Bell, his caregiver, had come into his room and started yelling at him for no apparent reason.
The situation intensified as the boy tried to reach out to his mother, causing Bell to grow increasingly furious. The child reported that Bell pushed him to the ground, hit him on the thigh, and took away his phone.
The officer observed physical evidence supporting the boy’s account, such as a bruise on the inside of his right thigh and a scratch on his back. The boy’s mother stated that Bell had the potential to be physically abusive, especially when drinking, and mentioned he was under the influence during that incident.
Justin Bell faces serious legal issues with charges of second-degree child abuse, a felony, and second-degree assault, a misdemeanor. Initially held without bond, he was later released on his own recognizance following a court review on November 4, 2024.
A preliminary hearing will take place on November 19, 2024, at the District Court in St. Mary’s County.