Bail denied for Howard County paraeducator accused of having sex with underage student
A Howard County high school special education paraeducator will remain in jail without bail after a judge's ruling Friday.
Police say Guilford Park High School staffer William Nelson II, 26, had sex with a 15-year-old student. He has been charged with third-degree sexual offense.
During his bail review hearing, the state prosecutor said Nelson posed an "extreme danger" to the victim and community if he were to be released.
Nelson's attorney, Thomas Maronick Jr., tried to have his client released on home detention. Maronick Jr. assured the judge that Nelson's mother -- who was in the courtroom for the hearing -- would make sure he wouldn't run away and make all of his court dates.
Maronick Jr. also pointed out Nelson has a clean record, aside from a pending DUI charge from earlier this week.
Howard County District Court Judge Allison Sayers ultimately sided with the prosecutor, saying there is evidence of "likelihood of danger" if Nelson were let out.
"Anytime that a teacher, somebody in a position of power, is accused of doing something to a child -- obviously that's something the court takes seriously," he said. "We're going to look at our options to reconsider the bond, and we look forward to fighting this case further on."
Nelson is due back in court on Dec. 11 for a preliminary hearing.
Meeting on a dating app
Nelson's charging document said the 15-year-old victim downloaded the Grindr app, a dating app geared toward the LGBTQ+ community.
The victim eventually came into contact with Nelson, who told the victim he had seen him in Guilford Park High's cafeteria and was a staff member, according to the charging document.
The two agreed to meet each other, later having sex in Nelson's car. The next day, the victim informed a school staff member, who then told the school resource officer.
Seth Hoffman, a spokesman for the Howard County Police Department, said the victim did the right thing by telling someone.
Employed at several Howard County Public Schools
Nelson had worked as a substitute teacher at five other Howard County Public School System schools before his role at Guilford Park High:
- Long Reach High School on Nov. 18, 2024
- Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School on Nov. 20, 2024
- Laurel Woods Elementary School from Nov. 24, 2024, to April 25, 2025
- Burleigh Manor Middle School from May 15, 2025, to June 18, 2025
- Cedar Lane School for summer school
Nelson was placed on administrative leave as soon as HCPSS officials learned about the accusations against him, according to a statement sent out to families.
Police are still actively investigating and collecting evidence in this case. Anyone who may have had an inappropriate encounter with Nelson -- or anyone for that matter -- is encouraged to call 410-313-STOP or email HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.
Reminder for internet safety
Hoffman said this case should encourage parents to talk to their kids about internet safety and to stress to their kids the importance of adhering to age restrictions on apps.
In a statement to families, Guilford Park High principal Joshua Wasileski said, "These conversations are never easy, but it is important to be open, honest, and supportive."
HCPSS has compiled resources to talk about traumatic events like this, as well as other related resources, here.